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School of Industrial and Labor Relations
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http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924092425010
THE ARCADE.
SHEFFIELD AND ECCLESALL
CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY LlMltECf.
Ecclesall Society established 1874.
Amalgamated with Sheffield Society. 1907.
Title of Society changed to Sheffield and Ecclesall
Co-operative Society, 1907.
o
A BRIEF
History
OF THE SOCIETY AND
THIRTY-NINE YEARS' PROGRESS.
From 1874 to 1913.
BY
William Rose.
Souvenir
TO COMMEMORATE THE COMPLETION OF
THE NEW CENTRAL PREMISES.
PREFACE.
THIRTY-NINE years ago forty-eight members
rented a shop at 4s. y^d. per week in which to start
a Co-operative Store ; to-day over 17,700 members
have built for themselves handsome new Central Premises,
at a cost of over £40,000, for their own use and benefit,
which stand as a magnificent memorial to the power of
Co-operation and the advantages of self-help.
The story of development from obscurity to influence
is, in the main, a record of courage, determination,
patience, and self-sacrifice, without which success would
have been impossible.
To mark with jubilation perhaps the greatest of all
events in the Society's history, it has been considered that
no more fitting souvenir could be presented to the
members than a short history of the Society from its
earliest years.
We trust our book will prove both useful and interest-
ing, and that an earnest and ample faith in the wide field
of Co-operation will be encouraged.
CONTENTS.
Committee of Management and Officers
First Forty-eight Members of tlie Society
Co-operation
General History —
1874. Formation of tlie Society
Threatened Faihire
Mr. E. B. Chesterman's Help
Brighter Prospects
Membership 1 00 '
First Purchase of Propert\-
Shares Increased to Two
Membership i ,000
Napier Street Premises again I"~xtended
First Branch Store Opened, London Road
Cash Trading Adopted
Coming-of-Age
New Central Premises First Mentioned
Commission System Ended
Penny Bank Established
Housebuilding Scheme Adopted
First Purchase of Ecclesall and Cemetery Road
Property
Traders' Attack
Trade Depression — Decreased Dividends
Co-operative Exhibition in Corn Exchange
Amalgamation Avith Sheffield Society
Title Changed to " Sheffield and Ecclesall "
Rate of Depreciation Altered
Additional Purchase of Central Site
Napier Street Premises Written Off
Lease of Co-operative Hall to C.W.S
1875
1878
1880
1882
1885
1888
1889,
1891
1892
1895
1897
1900
1901
1903
1904
1905
1906
1907
1909
1910,
1911
1913
Biography
Managers and Departmental Managers....
New Central Premises
The First Report and Balance Sheet
The Last Balance Sheet
The Balance Sheet Explained
Interesting Figures and Facts
Past and Present Officers
Progress of Society from Commencement
Educational Work
Sheffield Society before Amalgamation....
8
9
13
18
18
21
22
22
25
26
26
28
30
35
36
39
43
45
46
46
52
54
56
56
63
69
69
72
76
87
88
106
108
108
112
113
116
119
123
ILLUSTRATIONS.
PAGE
The Arcade Fronds f?iece
Shop where the Society first commenced Business ii
Reproduction of Society's First Rent Book 12
Members of the First Committee and Officers 19
Past Presidents 20
F. W. Sandford, President 33
The Old Central Stores, Napier Street 34
Present Committee of Management 49-50
Thomas Walton, General Manager 61
William Rose, F.C.I.S., General Secretary 62
Branch No. i, Wolseley Road, Lowfields 67
Branch No. 5, Abbeydale Road 67
Branch No. 21, Hathersage 67
Branch No. 2, Gleadless Road 68
Branch No. 7, Broomhill 68
Branch No. 16, Greystones 68
Model Bakery, Abbeydale Road 72
Ovens in Bakery 73
New Central Premises : Ecclesall Road Frontage 89
New Central Premises : Cemetery Road Frontage go
Corner of Ecclesall Road about 1 870 91
General Office 93
Boardroom 94
Secretary's Office 97
Furnishing Showroom 98
Old Horse Dyke Culvert 99
Boot and Shoe Department loi
Tailoring Department 102
Drapery Showroom 103
First Floor Cafe and Restaurant 104
Mr. H. L. Paterson, A.R.TB.A 105
The Society's Places of Business (24) by the Clock 118
Educational Committee and Auditors 121
John Gorrill, President of Sheffield Co-operative Society, 1907 123
A Bit of Old Sheffield: Pinstone Street 124
SHEFFIELD ® ECCLESALL
Cooperative Society Limited.
Committee of Management and Officers.
President : Jlr. F. \V. Sandford.
Cotiiiiiillee :
Mr. W. Walton. ilr. W. Buckley.
„ H. Bourne. „ A. Laing.
,, S, J. Wilson „ U. Swift.
,, J. Baggaley. ,, J. Penny.
„ J. Christie. „ J. A. Longden.
General Manager : Mr. Thomas Walton.
Secretary : Mr. William Rose, F.C.I.S., Public Auditor.
Cashier: Mr. E. D. James.
A Hditors : ilessrs. Beard and Bashforth, Chartered Accountants.
Bankers: Co-operative Wholes-ale Society Limited.
Educational Committee.
Chairman : Mr. A. Laing.
Secretary : Mrs. B. Davies.
Committee :
Mr. T. Rouse. Mr. H. Lucas.
,, A. Fretwell. ,, A. Walton.
The First Forty-eight Members who formed the
Society at the Commencement in 1874.
Joseph Beardshaw.
EzEKiEL B. Chesterman.
George Evans.
Joseph Fenton,
William Fisher.
David Green.
George Harrison.
*WlLLIAM ROOME.
*Frank Smyth.
Benjamin Stacey.
William Stacey.
Henry O. Shaw.
Charles Slinn.
*WlLLIAM Wagg.
*WiLLiAM Henry Tweed.
William Turner.
Richard S.avage.
Sidney Cavil.
Arthur Belk.
Hannah Travis.
Charles Wm. Wortley.
Duncan Brown.
John Long.
Benjamin Gorrell.
*Henry Bourne.
Edw.ard Jenkinson, Junr.
Robert Wordworth.
*Arthur Fletcher.
John Joby.
John Fox.
John Smith Wales.
William P. Fox.
*F. W. Sandford.
James Oxley.
R. S. Beal.
*John Kitchen.
James Smith.
Rich.ard Swift.
T. L. Green.
Henry Walker.
Alfred Osborne.
William Paling.
Walter Richardson.
William Hattersley.
Samuel Shaw.
William Marsden.
Sarah Wild.
Sar.ah Dungworth.
Those marked thus (*) are membsrs at the present time,
remainder are not on the register.
The
Co-operation.
PERHAPS of all the great social movements of modern
times none have had more remarkable growth than
Co-operation. From utter obscurity in 1844 it has
blossomed into a movement of gigantic strength, wielding
a national influence. As time rolls on each succeeding
year brings a more fruitful harvest, and the link in the
Co-operative chain becomes strengthened by its growth
and adoption by other nations. The old practical maxim
that " Heaven helps those who help themselves " is the
Co-operative gospel amplified by organisation.
The perfectly simple plan of the Rochdale Pioneers to
raise themselves materially by their own efforts has
succeeded beyond all dreams. The primitive attempts
of the famous twenty-eight Rochdale men joining hands
to buy goods for themselves and dividing the profits has
resulted in a harvest of millions. The foundation of the
millions of share and loan capital of Co-operative
Societies of to-day was laid by working men contributing
twopence per week on which to commence business. The
proof lies here, that working men are capable of carrying
on a vast business and great undertakings for their own
benefit. The sweet inspiration of Co-operation is the
something we can do for our own welfare, forming
character and strengthening self-reliance as we go.
As a result of the Co-operative Store the spendings of
the worker have gone further, and the highest aspirations
10 CO-OPERATION.
are awakened that the Co-operative workshop is the place
where the worker will not only get a better reward for his
labour, but under less despotic conditions. Large works
and important industries controlled by Co-operative
capital in the interests of the people are making progress,
slowly, it is true, but surely nevertheless. The results
of the past, great as they are, are trifling compared with
the possibilities of the future. The Co-operative maxim
of " Each for all, and all for each " is founded on experi-
ence and common sense, and when we fully grasp and act
upon it our success will be immeasurably greater than it
is to-day.
Q 4
W -
V"
\.^.
CHAPTER I.
1874 to 1884.
The Beginnings of our Society.
" Ever active^ ever cheer)',
Hope the burden of our song,
Let us help the weak and weary
On the wav we move along."
Origin of the Society — First Officers Elected — " The Little Shop " —
Results of the First Year — Unexpected Loss — Threatened
Failure — Mr. Chesterman's Help — Change of Manager (Mr.
Thomas Walton appointed) — Signs of Success — Increased
Prosperity — Premises Too Small — New Members Not Wanted
— Mortgage Paid Off.
IN all places and at all times it is remarkable that many
great movements of the world have had their birth in
obscurity. Some trifling incident in the course of life
has caused men of all ages to pause and think, often lead-
ing to great deeds and noble achievements. Trifles have
been turned to good account by the patience and courage
of those who had an abiding faith in their convictions.
Just in this way our Society had its origin. Through a
simple little dinner-hour chat between two cousins talking
over the " new gospel of Co-operation " and its advantages
the Ecclesall Co-operati^'e Society was brought into being
thirty-nine years ago. Mr. Wilham Wagg, one of those
cousins, is still with us in membership, and through
many years was an earnest worker on the Committee of
Management, inspiring others with the confidence of
victory he felt would ultimately come. The same old
14 CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
battle against prejudice at " quack shopkeeping
methods " had to be fought at the outset, as the Rochdale
Pioneers fought. Just the same doubts and misgivings
arose and were overcome b}' exactly the same spirit of
courage, determination, and patience. The parallel of
obscurity is the same, and the " jeers of the prophets "
who predicted certain failure were just as bitter in the
days of 1874 as they were in 1844.
At the time when our history commences there was
already a Co-operative Stores in existence in Snig Hill,
which had made some little progress, but the difficulties
of distance were doubtless a drawback to some joining
who lived at the other end of the town, and one is
inclined to the belief that it was in the worthy spirit
of emulation that the idea of starting a Store at Napier
Street took root.
In those days, it must be remembered, the means of
transit were slow, costly, and inconvenient. 'Buses were
few, even horse trams had not appeared, and in the
immediate neighbourhood where the " little Store "
started fields and gardens stood where now stand
thousands of dwellings.
The main purpose in establishing a Store was much in
common with that of other pioneers, a very natural desire
to save the shopkeeper's profit for themselves and make
their spendings in life's necessities go as far as possible.
To bring about their object the founders talked the
matter over with their shopmates, who — if not all, at least
the majority — were employed at Messrs. Chesterman and
Co.'s works in Pomona Street. The result of the little
talk was the calling of a public meeting, which was held
on January 27th, 1874, at which Mr. Benjamin Stacey
presided, and Mr. Geo. Harrison acted as Secretary pro
tern. The results of the meeting are sufficient to show
that it was quite successful. The object in view \vas
brought about, and a resolution was passed unanimously
" That we form a Co-operative Society for the sale of
groceries and provisions," and, being in ihe township of
Ecclesall, it was decided to name it " The Ecclesall Indus-
trial and Provident Societv Limited."
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD. 15
The modest sum of 2d. per week, at which Rochdale
started, was fixed as a minimum contribution towards the
payment of the £i shares by which capital was to be raised
to carry on business, each member being required to hold
at least one share; and — showing a truly democratic
spirit — there was a proviso " that no member be allowed
to hold more than five shares."
These preliminaries settled, the meeting proceeded to
elect its first officers. Mr. Frank Smyth was appointed
President, Mr. Ezekiel Chesterman Treasurer, and Mr.
Duncan Brown Secretary, the Committee being composed
of Messrs. W. Roome, B. Stacey, William Wagg, D. Green,
and C. Wortley. Trustees were also required for the
better security and safety of the Society's property. No
transfer of property could be carried out except by them,
but the provisions of the Friendly Societies Act which
applied at that time are rightly done away with.
Societies now have a sufficient legal status to hold
property in their own name and deal with it as they deem
fit, without the intermediary of trustees. The provisions
of the Act had to be obser\'ed, and Messrs. W. Turner,
Henry Shaw, and J. Beardshaw were formally appointed.
The first " roll of honour," with the names of all the
persons entered on the register composing the Society,
contained only forty-eight names. Of these the great
majority have passed away, others have ceased member-
ship for various reasons, only seven remaining on the
register at the present time. Nearly all the survivors
(except Mr. Tweed) are well known by their official
connection with the Society for many years. Mr. Wm.
Wagg, Mr. F. W. Sandford, Mr. H. Bourne, Mr. A. F.
Fletcher, Mr. Wm. Roome, Mr. Frank Smyth, and Mr.
W. H. Tweed are the only ones left of the gallant forty-
eight.
On the first register only three women were enrolled,
but the fair sex to-day are m the great majority, and it is
no doubt due to much of their influence that the Society
owes a great share of its success.
The first Store was a modest little shop, with a window
on each side of the door, and had once been a hosier's.
lb CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
Its dimensions were as small as the rent, but one can
hardly expect an emporium for 4s. 7Jd. per week. From
selling cottons, tapes, buttons, &c., the shop became a
Store, destined for a great future. The situation was
pleasant, and notwithstanding being near the cemetery it
was considered very desirable. It was convenient to the
members, just where the men could " pop in and do the
shopping for the missus " when coming home from work.
The opening of the little Store in 1874 is now of
historical importance. At the start it was uncertain how
much trade would be done, and as an experiment it was
decided to open the shop only on four days a week, but it
was understood that Mr. George Harrison, who was
appointed the first Manager, should give more time if
necessary. With handj' men on the Committee, who
designed the shop fittings, did a little bit of joinering and
plumbing, and put on a coat or two of paint " for the love
of it," it is surprising how economicallj^ things were put
in shipshape for business.
Stocking the shop with goods was the next thing, and
I am told that on the opening day " it looked grand."
Three or four bags of flour, butter, sugar, a whole cheese,
a tin of lard, a dozen tins of sardines, tea, coffee, tobacco,
and snuff, and many other articles formed the stock in
trade, the \\'hole outlay being about ;^5o.
There was great rejoicing when the Committee had the
results of the first quarter's working. The infancy of any
institution always carries with it anxiety and concern,
but it passed safely over, and, encouraged by the success
•of their venture, the Committee proclaimed that, having
surmounted the first difficulties, " united effort was
only necessary to overcome the rest." ^^'ith sales for the
first quarter amounting to £392. i6s. iiid., a profit of
^12. 17s. 2d., and a dividend of is. in the £ on members'
purchases, the most sanguine expectations had been
exceeded.
The first balance sheet shows a really healthy state of
affairs, and everything points to prudent management.
There were neither debts owing to the Society nor debts
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD. 17
owing by the Society, and assuredly the management had
good reasons to be satisfied with their initial labours.
The share capital only stood at £44. 4s. 2d., subscribed
for by the forty-eight members of the Society, with an
additional working loan capital of £68. 8s. iid., and the
Committee were anxious that this should be increased to
enable them to increase their sphere of usefulness.
With the present investments in the Co-operative
Wholesale Society running into many thousands of
pounds, it is interesting to notice that in the first quarter
a payment of 5s. was made to the Wholesale Society, being
a contribution towards one share.
When a Society reaches affluent circumstances the
minute records of early times are often found amusing
and interesting. The following are some examples : —
Resolved —
That ^ doz. Tea Canisters be purchased at 5s. 6d. each.
That we order i cwt. Hudson's Dry Soap and a Cheese.
That WiUiam Wagg obtain a good Cheese and we order
2 tins of Lard.
That we have 2 dozen small tins of Sardines.
That any member of the Committee attending later than
7-30 be not put down as present.
At the end of the first year the Society was making
good headway, with encouraging prospects, and the
prophets who had predicted failure had been wrong up
to now. A total profit of £71 had been made, and an
average dividend of is. in the £ had been paid to members.
Cheered with the result of the year's work, the Com-
mittee, whilst congratulating the members on the steady
progress, stated in the report that it was a " good oppor-
tunity to show your friends the wisdom of joining it."
They stated then what has often been said since — " This
is not a private enterprise, or a mere dividend machine,
but it is an instrument for the elevation of the working
classes open on equal terms to everybody."
For the six succeeding months all went well, and then
came an altogether unexpected reverse, which retarded
progress for five wearying years. Progress of a perma-
nent character is always slow, and " fruit best worth
having is often slowest in ripening." Nevertheless, the
l8 CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
disappointment was bitter, when, in the seventh quarter
of the Society's history (in 1875), the Committee had
to report a shght loss. For the first time there was no
dividend. The members were asked to be patient and
forbearing amid the trouble, and the Committee had no
doubt that all would yet be well. Unfortunately, however,
courage failed, patience and faith vanished, good advice
was disregarded, and the Society was doomed to suffer in
consequence of the withdrawal of members and their trade.
It is said truly " that to know how to wait is the great
secret of success." If this maxim had been taken to
heart the threatened failure of five years afterwards
would have been averted, and the Society's steady
prosperity been quickly restored.
" The wise ^nd active conquer difficulties
By daring to attempt them; sloth and folly
Shiver and shrink at sight of toil and danger,
And make the impossibility they fear."
— Rowe.
Mr. E. B. Chesterman, who acted as Treasurer of the
Society, had from the outset been a staunch friend, and
had it not been for his financial assistance and influence
the Society could not have escaped failure. The miUers
pressed for payment of their accounts, and refused any
further supphes without cash or satisfactory guarantees
of payment. " I'll soon make that all right," said Mr.
Chesterman, and by accepting personal responsibihty
for payment as a guarantor in the event of the Society's
inabiUty, the threatened disaster was averted. To relieve
further embarrassment, Mr. Chesterman very generously
advanced a loan of £100. The Committee and members
expressed their appreciation of his act of generosity and
timely assistance by passing a hearty vote of thanks,
followed by a letter embodying these sentiments.
Mr. Chesterman passed away many years ago, but
an act of this kind rightly deserves to live as a tribute to
his worth and character. The precise cause of the loss,
which was only the trifling sum of £6. os. 8d., was never
"bottomed;" by some it was put down to mismanage-
ment, others said it was a stocktaking mistake, but.
1
F. Smyth, President.
i
C. WORTLEY
MEMBERS OF THE FIRST COMMITTEE AND OFFICERS, 1S74.
PAST PRESIDENTS.
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD. 21
whatever it was, mischief had been done. The Manager
resigned, another was appointed, and in the succeeding
quarter the Committee had a surprise when they were
able to pay a dividend of is. 4d. in the £, and £io in
addition to the reserve fund. The new Manager,
although showing profits for the first quarter, was not
a success. Trade dwindled in spite of the rise in the
dividend, and membership grew.less, with the inevitable
result of another change of Manager.
It is questionable whether matters had improved
with the first change of Manager. What a struggling
Society wants and must have, if it is to succeed, is earnest
devoted management with a desire to please and oblige.
The latest Manager was scarcely of the type, but as a
celebrity in the Stores annals he is without an equal.
The Committee had a very amusing experience with
this gentleman when they expressed a wish to have the
window dressed for the Christmas festive season. In
words more candid than polite, he said " I'll be jiggered
if I do." " Well," said the Committee, " if you don't,
we shall." Not to be outdone by their generosity, he
replied, " Will you, by gum ! If you do I'll give you a
couple of bob." The Committee did, and, to their credit
be it said, the Manager complimented them on their
work, and cheerfully admitted that it was done to his
satisfaction. As far as I can make out he forgot to pay
up, and the " couple of bob " is still owing.
A potato is a very simple thing in itself, but it led
to further trouble. In their wisdom the Committee
thought it desirable to sell potatoes, and communicated
their decision to the Manager. " Darn my rags," said
he, " I've never sold a potato in my life, and I'm not
going to start now." With these drawbacks one can
little expect prosperity, and it is easy to understand that
the Committee were soon contemplating another change.
The year 1878 was the turning point in the Society's
history. Up to this time the Society had one hard
struggle for life, but it won. Late in the year Mr.
Thomas Walton, our present General Manager was
appointed. Without expert knowledge of either the
22 CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
grocery trade or management, but with good references
as a likely young man, the Committee decided to give
him a trial. He proved a great success. Earnest and
devoted to his work, with a determination to make it go,
always willing and obliging, he soon won the confidence
of both Committee, and, more important still, that of
the members. The remuneration at which Mr. Walton
started was a commencing minimum of 26s. per week,
plus a bonus on the profits, which amounted to 15s. 6d.
in the first quarter.
What an eventful year was 1880 ! With an increase
of fifty-two members in six years a record had been
established with a three-figure membership, amounting
to 100 persons. With the first £1,000 in sales for the
quarter, some of the Committee thought the top rung
of the ladder had been reached. The dividend had
risen from is. to 2S. in less than two years, and with
such a position of affluence, instead of the usual votes of
thanks to the Committee and the Auditors for their
services, it was decided by the General Meeting that the
Committee be paid 6d. per night and the Auditors 5s. each
per quarter. For six years the Committee had served
without fee or reward or even expectation of anything
of the kind.
In 1882 the " little shop " had become too small for
the trade, and a good deal of discussion took place as to
what should be done. The Committee had gained both
wisdom and experience on the Board, and, rising to the
occasion, they determined to have their own propertj'.
Several cottages at the corner of Pear Street and Napier
Street were in the market and considered likely to make
suitable premises for a Store, but after much deliberation
it was ultimately decided to try and secure the property
on the present site of our Napier Street premises, if it
could be purchased at £950. The property consisted of
the little shop and five houses adjoining. Messrs. Allison
and Wagg carried out the negotiations to the Committee's
satisfaction by buying it for £940. The vendor of the
property was more than willing; he was anxious for a
mortgage, and it was agreed that £650 should remain.
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD. 23
Up to the year 1884 each member was required to take
up at least one £j share, but the capital was found
insufficient to meet prospective development. The first
extensions at Napier Street had been carried out at a cost
of £375 ; larger stocks were required for the increasing
business, credit trading was becoming greater, the redemp-
tion of the £650 mortgage was in view, and under the
circumstances the Committee recommended that the
rules should be altered and each member required to take
up at least two shares. Unfortunately, however, the
alteration was strongly resisted and rejected. It had
this result that the Committee were very keen in carrying
out the rule dealing with credit trading, which was limited
to three-fourths of the member's share capital in theory,
but which had been much abused in practice.
At the end of the year there was unmistakable evidence
of prosperity. The doors were closed, and with a member-
ship of 704 the Committee passed a resolution " that,
through want of accommodation in the Stores, we do not
accept any more members at present." Whether the
Committee were legally right in rejecting members is a
question. After ten years' work the capital of the
Society had reached £1,190. 13s. 2d., with sales for the
quarter of £2,835. 13s. gd. The mortgage had been paid
off, but the accounts owing to tradesmen at the end of
the quarter for goods supplied amounted to £576. is. 2d.,
which was the most unpleasing feature in a splendid
balance sheet.
CHAPTER II.
1885 to 1894.
Making Progress.
" All before us lies the way,
Give the past unto the wind ;
All before us is the da)',
Night and darkness are behind."
— R. W. Emerson.
Shares Increased — Permanent Secretary Appointed — Boot Depart-
ment Opened — First Branch Store — Purchase of Property in
Wolseley Road — Christmas Picture A Imanacs Ceased — Property
Purchased in Fawcett Street,
IT is a common sajdng, with some truth, tliat " nothing
succeeds like success." Hazlitt, in one of his essays,
gives the idea that all a business man has to do " is
not to stray from the beaten track, but, in go-cart fashion,
let things take their course." If ever there was a smat-
tering of triitli in such a definition, which we don't believe,
it is dead and buried now. Experience is, after all, the
best teacher, and this proved that the moving force
which led to success was earnest, diligent, and well-
directed management, coupled with the confidence of
members in their own institution. In 1885 the prosperity
of the Society was splendid. More accommodation was
needed, and more capital to provide for it. Again the
Committee brought forward their recommendation to
increase the holding of each member from one share to
two £x shares, but, much to their disappointment and
regret, it was again rejected, and much-needed extensions
were delayed b}' this action. The result was that the
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD. 25
Committee were unable to see their way to cater satis-
factorily for any increased trade, and one can realise that
it was with reluctance that they passed a resolution to
" only admit members up to 750."
At the July Quarterly Meeting the subject of increased
shares came up again, and a resolution was passed by the
members " that we recommend the Committee to call a
Special Meeting to alter such rules as are necessary for
carrying on the business of the Society in a safe and
efficient manner." It appears at this time that, whilst
some members, at any rate, were willing to increase their
shares, a number of them violated the Society's rules by
taking credit beyond the amount allowed and an un-
reasonable time in which to pay their accounts. To deal
with this state of things the following resolution was
passed: — " That all members owing money for twelve
months have it deducted from their amount in the
Society."
The Committee found that the share capital holding
of present members could not legally be increased without
alteration of rule, but this did not apply to new members,
and the Committee adopted the expedient of raising more
capital on July 23rd, 1885, by passing a resolution " that
we again admit members, but any person joining shall
sign a declaration to take up at least two shares." The
thin end of the wedge having been introduced, the
Committee renewed their attempts to increase the shares,
and at the third time of asking were successful in their
efforts. In August, 1885, the share holding of each
member was increased to two £1 shares.
Amongst the interesting records in the minutes of
1886 and 1887 are the following: —
That we have a Social Tea to celebrate the opening of the new
premises, and that Mr. J. T. W. Mitchell, of the Co-operative
Wholesale Society, be invited to address the meeting.
That we have a quarterly discussion on objects ot Co-operative
interest, and invite the employees.
That the Stores be closed on Band of Hope Gala Day at one-
o'clock.
That we vote £1. is. each to the local charities — the Infirmary,
Dispensary, Jessop and Children's Hospitals.
26 CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
The year 1888 was one of exceeding prosperity. The
Society in November reached its first 1,000 members. It
had ten employees, in addition to a man, horse, and dray
hired to dehver goods to members' houses, with sales
amounting to £325 per week. The membership was
growing very rapidly, and on the retirement of Mr.
Fletcher as Secretary, the Committee decided to appoint
a Secretary to devote his whole time to the work. The
present Secretarj? (Mr. William Rose) was the person
honoured by the appointment, and it would ill become his
modesty to " blow his own trumpet." Suffice it to say
that, having served the Society for twent3?-five years, the
writer may claim at least to have justified the confidence
reposed in him. The appointment by the Committee was
confirmed at the General Meeting, and for many years he
was elected annually by the members until the rules of
the Society were altered in this respect.
At the Annual Tea Party in November a presentation
was made to Mr. A. F. Fletcher, on his retirement as
Secretary, as an acknowledgment of splendid service
rendered for the past seven years. Mr. E. T. Allison
made the presentation, stating the high opinion the Com-
mittee had of Mr. Fletcher and the work he had done.
The Members' Tea Party, which used to be an annual
event, and looked forward to by the members, is almost
forgotten. It was a bright, refreshing, social feature of
old times, and did much good. The idea was a splendid
one for bringing members together for an evening's
enjoyment. With a good, substantial tea at a popular
price, followed by a good entertainment and speeches
of the propaganda kind, the gentle swell of new members
was often felt as a result of these festivities. In our
absorbing attention to business it is well to remember
the social side of Co-operation. It is possible, with our
keen desire to develop the commercial side of our Society,
we may be forgetful that Co-operation stands for some-
thing more.
The year 1889 was an exceedingly busy one for the
Committee. The Napier Street premises were again too
small for the trade, and the third extensions to provide
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD. 27
better accommodation were entered upon. Another
house was pulled down, and in October, 1889, the altera-
tions were completed at a cost of £535. 9s. iid. Besides
making more room for the Grocery and Provision Depart-
ment and a Crockery Department, which was a special
fea-*ure at that time, the first floor provided room on a
small scale for new departments in boots and shoes and
drapery, which the Committee had long felt was desirable.
In May, 1890, the Boot and Shoe Department was
opened, the average trade for the quarter being £25 per
week. From this small trade it has maintained steady
progress, and at the present time has a turnover of
^200 per week and 1,100 pairs of repairs. When the
department started it was felt that the commission trade
with other boot shops would be a barrier to our own
success, and the Committee very wisely determined to
close these accounts. There has never been any reason
to regret the step. The Boot Department has done
exceedingly well, the price of the goods has been reason-
able and the quality excellent, and the fact that 95 per
cent of the goods are of Co-operative manufacture is a
great feature in this department.
In June, 1890, the members gave the Committee a
mandate on the butchering question. It was a depart-
ment the Committee had but little faith in as a paying
business, and, so to speak, avoided it. However the
General Meeting requested the Committee to consider
the idea of going into the business, or, as an alternative,
to make arrangements with other butchers on commission.
The pros and cons in favour of each scheme were carefully
considered, and a negative answer on the simple question
as to whether it would pay its way decided the question.
After making full inquiry, the Committee reported " we do
not think it advisable to go into the business at present,"
and this decision led to arrangements with other butchers
for supplying the members.
Some of the resolutions passed during the year
indicate a progressive policy: —
That on the first day of next quarter we commence giving
checks on Sugar.
28 CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
That the Committee deem it advisable to go into the Drapery
business.
That we take a house and stable from Messrs. Chesterman and
Company at 7s. 8d. per week. [By this it will be gathered that
the Society had now a horse and dray of its own.]
That Messrs. Roome, Bourne, and Spencer be a Sub-Committee
for the Drapery Department.
That the Sub-Committee make inquiries and get all information
about a dray, and see it is a good one.
With the magnificent accommodation of the present
day with its large range and selection of goods in up-to-
date styles and fashions, it has to be remembered that the
beginning was in a primitive, homely sort of way. In
any new department caution is necessary, with a step-by-
step policy. The Society's first Drapery Department,
opened in March, i8gi, was opened with the idea of simply
catering for ever\'day requirements in such goods as
cahcoes, shirtings, knitting wool, &c. A great trade was
not expected, and the average sales for the first quarter
only amounted to £20 per week.
Our members' trade with commission drapers was
large at the time when we entered on the new venture,
but with the Society's small trade at the commencement,
the Committee could not see their way to close these
accounts, especially as we were unable to cater satis-
factorily for the members' requirements ourselves. The
early experience of 1891 has been much the same since
that time, pointing to the fact that what has been wanted
all along the line has been centrally-situated premises,
plenty of show, and up-to-date styles and methods,
without which great success has hitherto been impossible.
Seventeen Years.
In these days of activity and progress a new Branch
Store is an event of comparatively little importance, but
the Society's first Branch Store was regarded as a victory.
Although it took seventeen years to accomplish it, the
seed of care and prudence had been sown, and the harvest
was no less welcome for the waiting. Progress at the best
is always slow, and, as the proverb has it, "Who goes
slowly goes long and goes far." The first Branch Store of
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD. 29
the Society was opened in London Road, for the sale of
groceries and provisions, on August 20th, 1891. The
rent was £23 per year for a tenancy of twelve months
certain, with the option of a lease at £25. Mr. N. Bingham
was appointed Branch Manager, and his right-hand man
was our present Traffic Manager, Mr. F. J. Ward. Success
was assured from the day of opening, the first quarter's
sales amounting to £2,560. 13s. 6d. — nearly £200 per week.
Some of the Committee had for a long time advocated
the cash trading principle and the abohtion of credit, but
others feared the loss of trade by the change. However,
the cash principle advocates carried the day, and a
resolution was passed " that no credit be given at the
new Branch."
The first step in opening a Branch had been such a
huge success, that nine months later, on April 30th, 1892,
the Committee unanimously resolved to purchase property
consisting of seven houses in Wolseley and Gifford Roads,
which was subsequently carried through by Mr. E. T.
Allison and Mr. J. J. Webster for £775. Mr. James Hall,
the Society's architect, was immediately instructed to
prepare plans and tenders, which were accepted for
alterations amounting to £927. 5s.
From first to last Branch No. i, which has been
under Mr. J. W. Bratley's management for some years,
and prior to that under Mr. Bingham, has maintained
the proud position of being to the fore. The opening
day was sufficiently convincing of the wisdom of carrying
the Stores near to the homes of the members. The shop
at London Road was simply packed out. Members had
been .used to doing a bit of waiting at Napier Street on the
busy days of Friday and Saturday. We believe an hour or
so was fairly common, but in providing more accommoda-
tion at London Road it was fairly expected to be able to
despatch business more promptly. To come a mile or
two and wait an hour or two tries the patience of the
best of us, but to wait out on the footpath we hardly
think would be taken seriously at the present time. It
is said that the trams were held up on account of the
great number standing outside the shop in London Road
30 CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
(but maybe this is exaggeration'!, but it is a fact that
Wolseley Road in its best days had amongst its indus-
trious members those who would bring their knitting
or crotcheting to do a bit whilst waiting to be served.
We delight to think of the patience, consideration, and
good feeling that members displayed under circumstances
which were trying, but at the same time difficult to avoid
with such astonishing development.
New rules of the Society were registered in 1892, and
cash trading, by far the most important rule which came
forward for consideration, was adopted. As a test as to
whether cash trading would go, we have stated it was
put into operation when the first Branch was opened.
Advocates of cash trading have always been strong in
condemnation of credit, as being bad for the individual,
as well as for the Society. In our experience credit
trading proved very unsatisfactory. Members exceeded
the amount of credit allowed, and often exceeded the
time when the accounts should have been paid. The
violation of the rule caused much trouble and anxiety
to the Committee, and at a Special General Meeting on
January 26th, 1892, it was resolved, on the motion of
Mr. E. T. Allison, " that the business of the Society shall
be conducted for ready money after the registration of
these amended rules."
The Committee were not unanimous on the question
of cash trading, some fearing it would bring about
a decreased turnover, and retard progress. Time has
proved the fallacy of these fears. Development has
continued, and strong opinions are held that cash trading
is more than a " business," it is a principle.
This year witnessed a new inauguration in the shape of
an excursion for the employees. Committee, and officials,
which has since become an annual event. The members,
with a ready willingness then and since, have always
voted the amount necessary to cover the expenses of the
outing, which those concerned appreciate. Formerly it
was a regular practice to have a drive, but, with the
increasing number of employees, of late years the
disposition has been strongly in favour of a day at the
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD. 3I
seaside. At the first annual outing the number probably
would not exceed eighty, which included a few friends,
but in June of the present year there was a drive for
those who preferred it, numbering 130, and in addition an
excursion to Liverpool of more than 500.
At the October Quarterly Meeting in 1894 a very
important resolution was passed: —
That we discontinue giving the usual Christmas picture
almanacs [which the Chairman said would cost about /60], and
divide the sum amongst the four local charities, viz., the Infirmary,
Dispensary, Jessop and Children's Hospitals.
With the adoption of this resolution came the end of
the long established practice of giving Christmas picture
almanacs, and the change we know caused some little
disappointment. Recommendations for the charitable
institutions were often asked for, which the Society was
unable to give, and it was rightly urged by the advocates
of the change that to help our needy members was our
duty as Co-operators. Since that time some thousands
of recommendations have been given for medical treat-
ment, and the easy facihties that are afforded in obtaining
them have been appreciated.
Other resolutions passed during the year show the
Committee very much alive to their responsibilities.
That we appoint a representative to form one of a deputation
to wait on Parliament with the object of restraining private enter-
prise assuming Co-operative titles.
That we recommend the General Meeting to vote £100 for the
purpose of forming a Guarantee Insurance Fund, and that it be
taken fron the balance carried forward.
That we forward a memorial to the Chancellor of the
Exchequer with a view of procuring an alteration in the taxation
of tea, coffee, tobacco, and dried fruits.
That on and after the first Saturday in May all our Stores be
closed on Saturdays at 8 instead of 9 o'clock.
During the year the Society still further extended its
area and usefulness by opening a new Branch in Gleadless
Road. The step-by-step policy marked the experimental
stage of Branch No. 2, and a rented shop was taken at
the corner of Gleadless and Forster Roads at £35 per
annum. Grocery and provisions, boots and shoes, and
drapery were sold, and once again success was assured.
32 CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
When a new Branch is opened in any locahty it has
often been found that other friends from afar come
knocking at the door asking for equal privileges. It is a
healthy sign of interest of which it is unwise to complain.
Very quickly the St. Philip's Road friends were asking
when their turn would come, and although the member-
ship in this area was not numerous, the density of the
population in it led the Committee to believe that a
successful Branch could be established. Some objection
was raised by the Sheffield Society when the intention
was manifest, yet the Committee considered under aU
the circumstances that they were justified in their action.
So it was in the early part of 1894 that the Committee
passed a resolution, " that Messrs. Fletcher and Sandford
be instructed to make an offer of £700 for the plot of land,
635 yards, at the corner of Fawcett Street and Bellefield
Street." Subsequently the purchase was made for
£670, but, by agreement with the solicitors, the contents
of the land were reduced by thirty yards. Plans and
tenders were quickly obtained, and in , October, 1894,
the first portion of the Fawcett Street premises, consisting
of Grocery and Provisions, Boot and Drapery Depart-
ments, were opened at a cost of £1,656. 7s. id. exclusive
of the land.
It may not be generally known that the site on which
the Stores now stands was originally the old St.
Stephen's Vicarage.
' \
F. W. SANDFORD
Phi hiDbs r, 1902-13,
CHAPTER III.
1895 to 1904.
"Pitch thj' behaviour low, thy projects high,
So shalt thou humble and magnanimous be.
Sink not in spirit, who aimeth at the sky
Shoots higher much, than he that means a tree."
— George Herbert.
The Society's Coiiiiiig-of-Age — New Central Premises First Mooted —
Dividend Raised to is. 2d. — Further Alterations at Napier Street
— St. Mary's Road Stores Opened — Park Property Purchased —
Amalgamation with Sheffield Society Proposed — Penny Bank
Commenced — Duke Street Branch Opened — Rented Shops Opened
at Oahbrook and Croohes — Land Purchased at Woodseats —
Housebuilding Scheme Adopted — New Bakery Opened —
Traders' Attach — Ecclesall Road Furnishing Opened — Uni-
versity Grant.
THE outstanding feature of 1895 was the Society's
coming-of-age, and it is fitting to review the
position the Society had attained on reaching its
majority. During the earhest years it was very prob-
lematical whether tlie Societj? would pull through, but
by courage, determination, and efficient management
success was achieved. In the Committee's report
announcing the approaching coming-of-age, it states
" we are pleased to congratulate the members on the
continued prosperity of the Society, which attains its
majority on ]\Iarch 6th, 1895." The brief mention of
the fact by no means expressed the feehngs of those who
had helped to win the victory. Deep down there was
36 CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
a feeling of satisfaction that the day had been won and
that they shared in the success.
The quarter closed on the day of its majority, and
its records show that the sales for the quarter amounted
to £18,188, and in addition to this the commission trade
done in drapery, clothing, and butchering amounted to
over £5,000. The capital stood at £12,513, and the
membership at 3,971.
A total business had been done since the commence-
ment of £323,018, and a profit made of £45,279. It
seems well nigh incredible that the sales of the twenty-first
year alone exceeded the total sales of the first sixteen
years of the Society's history, yet we find such to be the
case.
To celebrate the coming-of-age, the Drill Hall was
engaged on Easter Tuesday in 1895, and the proceedings
were a great success, over a thousand people attending
on the occasion. A tea, concert, and dance was arranged.
Mr. W. E. Harvey, M.P., was the speaker, Mr. A. F.
Fletcher (President of the Society) taking the chair. A
Glee Party, under the able leadership of Mr. Lancaster,
contributed to the evening's enjoyment, and a still further
interesting item in the proceedings was a presentation by
the employees of a gold watch and chain to our present
General Manager (Mr. Walton), as a token of their high
esteem.
At this time of day it is particularly interesting to
note that the first proposal to acquire new Central
Premises dates back to the majority year of 1895, when
Mr. E. Snelgrove moved at the July Quarterly Meeting a
resolution : —
That this meeting is of opinion that greater facilities are
needed for supplying members of this Society with drapery goods,
and hereby instructs the Committee to take into consideration the
establishment of a Central Drapery Store in some easily accessible
situation, and to report on the same at the next Quarterly Meeting.
The Committee in their report to the members' meeting
expressed themselves generally in favour of the scheme,
but were of opinion that the present time was not quite
suitable. The main reasons which led the Committee
to defer this question were Branch extensions in other
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD. 37
areas which they were strongly pressed to provide, and
these were deemed of more immediate importance.
It is pleasing to note that in the Society's prosperity
the members were not unmindful of their obligations as
citizens, and by a unanimous vote at the General Meeting
it was resolved to give ;^ioo as a donation to the new
building fund of the Hospital and Dispensary, which is
now known as the Royal Hospital.
At this time the Society's finances were very satisfac-
tory. The Committee held strongly against making
a high dividend, contending that 2s. in the £ was sufficient.
The expedient of reducing selling prices was tried as a
check on ever increasing profits, but, notwithstanding
this, the surplus profit was so large that the Committee
decided to raise the dividend to 2s. 2d., and give the
members additional benefits. Before increasing the
dividend ample and generous provision was made for
depreciation, substantial additions were made to the
reserve fund, and the carry forward balances were very
large. It was felt that to raise the dividend would lead
members to expect the same rate in the future, but
having strengthened the financial sinews the Committee
felt that, whilst it was a new departure, they had good
hopes of being able to maintain it.
The year 1896 was an exceedingly busy time for the
Committee. Further accommodation in all departments
was again badly needed at Napier Street. Additional
prop^erty consisting of five houses was purchased for
the sum of ^1,000, which was sanctioned by the General
Meeting. Three cottages were pulled down to make
the necessary alterations and extensions, which were
carried out at a cost of £1,250. The old Office and
Boardroom, very little larger than an ordinary cottage
house room, was altogether too small, and suitable
provision was made for Offices and Boardroom of a more
modern character. Further accommodation was made
for a Drapery Department on the ground floor, a new
Furnishing Department on a small scale in the basement,
and additional room for storage on the second floor was
provided.
38 CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
It is pleasing to tell, as it will be a pleasure to know,
that our generosity in making donations to the hospitals
is appreciated so highly. The following letter we think
is worthy of record and speaks for itself: —
October igth, 1896.
I am directed by the Weekly Board and medical staff of this
Infirmary to tender to your Committee their most sincere thanks
for their donation of £^0 to our Centenary Building Fund, and hope
that the noble example set by your staff will be followed by other
kindred societies in Sheffield.
Yours faithfully,
George Hy. Day, Secretarjr.
Amongst the interesting resolutions of the year are the
following : —
That we do not entertain building premises on a ninety-nine
years' lease.
That having considered the question of the amalgamation of
the three Sheffield Societies, we deem it inadvisable.
That this meeting instructs the Committee to abolish com-
mission trading altogether as soon as practicable.
That we take 840 square yards of land at the corner of Abbey-
dale and Coniston Roads, at a ground rent of ;^i8.
During the year Branch No. 4 was opened, at the
corner of St. Mary's and Duchess Roads, for the sale of
groceries and provisions. There was no doubt in the
Committee's minds about the shop proving a success,
but it seems that the landlord had some preliminary
misgivings. Before the shop was taken, two of the
Committee went to make inquiries. Experience has
taught us that the best way to make a good bargain was
to go in a quiet sort of way and to keep the " Co-op."
out of it. At one time a grocer's shop, and later on a cafe,
both had been failures. For what purpose did we want
it ? said the landlord. When told for a grocer's shop,
he simply and decidedly said it wouldn't pay. Of
course he was wrong. However, when the rent was
fixed we were prepared to take the risk, and so was Mr.
Landlord when he knew it was to be a Co-operative
tenancy. 'We were just the people to make it go, said
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD. 39
he, and a lease for ten years was entered into. We have
had another ten years since then, and time passes so
rapidly that even this is nearing an end.
Reference has been previously made to the success
of the commission system of trade with drapers, clothiers,
butchers, hatters, &c., which had no doubt induced
many to join the Society. One of the grand objects of
Co-operative trading is the saving of the middleman's
profit and to supply our own requirements as far as
possible. With increased accommodation for the drapery
trade, and by opening a Butchering Department at
Napier Street, we were in a far better position to supply
the members than hitherto, and the commission system
came to an end.
At the closing quarter in December, 1897, a business
had been done representing nearly £10,000 of trade done
by our members at other shops, which had grown from
units from the time it started in 1876.
Another acquisition was the purchase of the Duke
Street property. The Park friends had pressed their
claims for a Branch a long time, but the desirable sites
were forbidden by the resolution of the General Meeting
" not to entertain a ninety-nine years' lease," and these
were the general terms of the Duke's leases. However,
patience is a virtue, and the ultimate reward of the
" Look-out Committee " was the purchase of the only bit
of known freehold property in the locality, at a cost of
£1,450. This property consisted of shops, cottages,
and workshop at the back, going into Duke Street Lane.
Before the alterations the cottages, or shops as they
were called, were set back to the building line of the
Robin Hood, the forecourts forming " a bit of a market."
The purchase of the Broomhill property quickly
followed Duke Street, at a cost of £750, and a month
later still tenders were accepted for a new Store at
Abbeydale, consisting of grocery and provision shop,
dwelling-house, bakery, and stabling, at a cost of £2,558.
Still further development was the acceptance of
tenders for the erection of new Stores in Gleadless Road
at a cost of nearly £3,000, and on Saturday, November
46 CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
6th, 1897, the foundation stone was laid, the event being
celebrated at a tea and meeting in St. Peter's Mission
Room, at which Mr. A. F. Fletcher (President) presided.
Many will remember the year 1897, during which
there was much distress throughout the country and in
our city caused by the engineers' lock-out. It is true
that in most industrial strife our sympathies are with
those who seek to get a better reward for their labour,
but when poverty and distress is the outcome of the
struggle we feel in duty bound to give generously towards
the alleviation of those who inevitably suffer in con-
sequence. The sympathy of our members was expressed
in a unanimous resolution to make a grant of £100, and
more was to be placed at the disposal of the Committee
if the lock-out continued after the exhaustion of the
original grant.
Unfortunately for everybody concerned, the Society's
rules had no provision for making such grants. Counsel's
opinion was taken as to the legality of paying the money,
but it was found that such a course would be illegal. The
Committee, at the instance of any member, were liable
to be called upon to refund the money to the Society, and
they were therefore reluctantly compelled to withhold the
payment of the grant. The members were keenty
disappointed with the position with which they were
faced, and an alteration of rule speedily followed, by
which " members may make a grant for any object,
whether philanthropic, of public utility, or charity, or
any other purpose."
The most prominent feature of 1898 was the question
of whether we should amalgamate with the Sheffield
Society, and a vast amount- of time was given to its
consideration by the Committee. In a special report
presenting their views to a Special General Meeting the
Committee recommended its adoption, beheving that it
would be mutually beneficial. The report stated that for
many years the affairs of the Sheffield Society had been
a matter of anxiety to their Committee, the local Societies,
and Co-operators generally, and with two successful
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD. 4I
Societies surrounding their Stores there appeared to be
little possibility for a prosperous future. The basis of
the agreement for amalgamation was that the Sheffield
members were to be credited with i6s. for every £i of
their share capital.
The meeting was the largest on record, the Temperance
Hall being packed to its full capacity. There was vigorous
and angry objection to the proposal, and whilst 860
members voted in favour and 361 against, the resolution
was defeated — a three-fourths majority being required
to carry a resolution for amalgamation. Much dis-
appointment was felt by the Committee on the result,
and a month later, on the written requisition of seventy
members, another Special Meeting was held in the Drill
Hall.
There was a feehng that whilst the voting at the first
meeting was insufhcient for its adoption, a victory had
been gained for amalgamation, and more favourable
results were hoped for in the second attempt. At this
meeting 1,420 voting cards were issued, against 1,391 at
the first meeting, but the comparative results were
similar, and the scheme for amalgamation was again
rejected.
During the year the erection of new stores in Gleadless
Road was going on, new buildings for stores in Abbeydale
Road, with caretaker's house and stabling, were well
advanced, and another house was demolished at Wolseley
Road to make room for a Butchering Department. These
extensions sufficiently indicate a busy time and progress.
Some initial attempt had been made just before this time
to do bespoke tailoring, and a man engaged to do the work.
Like most other ventures it was only a step in the direction
of greater things. Two cottages remained in Montague
Street, and these the Committee decided to convert into
a Ready-mades Department with bespoke tailoring, a
workroom being provided upstairs. The alterations
were made at a cost of £347-
Our trade has grown since that day, and with thirteen
tailors on the board, and a machinist, the present accom-
modation is too small, but with more room and better
42 CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
facilities at the new premises we are hopeful of great
expansion in the Clothing Department.
Some idea of the Society's prosperity of this day
may be gathered from the fact that the cost of the
alterations for the Tailoring Department and the cost
of those in Pembroke Street for the Butchering Depart-
ment, amounting altogether to over £700, were paid as
current expenditure, and do not figure in the balance
sheet as capital outlay on buildings.
The old metal check system, which had many excellent
points, caused much trouble through members not
bringing in their checks quarterly. In the September
quarter, which was always the lightest in sales and profits,
the excess checks over sales amounted to over £2,000,
and the result was a reduced dividend of 2d. in the £.
It had no serious effect in retarding the Society's progress,
but without doubt it caused dissatisfaction, because
members had kept their checks for the half year in
anticipation of the dividend being the usual 2s. 4d.
In 1899 the Society had arrived at a stage when
additional working capital was needed to cover expendi-
ture in providing new Branch Stores, and making depart-
mental extensions which were required.
With a view to future desirable development, the
Committee's recommendation to increase the shares to
four was carried at a special meeting called for the
revision of rules.
It was at this time that, through lack of members'
capital, the Committee resorted to the expedient for the
first time of arranging with the bankers for an overdraft.
In the commercial world a matter of this kind is of every-
day occurrence, but experience proved that it not only
caused much adverse criticism, but suspicion that the
Society's position was unhealthy. The necessity for an
overdraft quickly disappeared, and in twelve months'
time it was wiped out, and a surplus bank balance ga-\-e
greater satisfaction.
The development of the Society's area, and the
extension of the Brightside and Carbrook territory, in
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD. 43
1900, led up to a mutual arrangement between the Societies
of a boundary line, with the object of preventing over-
lapping and undue competition. Commencing at the
River Ri^'elin, the boundary agreed upon continues to
the Loxley, Langsett Road, Infirmary Road, in a straight
line to Dixon Lane, and then to Broad Street, Intake
Road to Gleadless Town End; one Society taking the
right and the other the left of the boundary line. Each
Society has' stood by its agreement honourably, and
there is little doubt that much dissatisfaction and trouble
has been averted by a fair recognition of each other's
claims. The agreement provided that each Society should
not open business premises within a quarter of a mile of
the line without consent.
A Co-operative Society is often judged according to
its medium of usefulness, and in keeping with this spirit
the Penny Bank was established. To encourage thrift
is a doctrine of Co-operation, and to instil this principle
into young minds is essential for the good of the
movement. Thrift and character are generally close
friends, and the Penny Bank may be counted a valuable
asset of usefulness in this way. From the first quarter
success was assured, the deposits amounting to £459, with
a membership of 960. Progress has been steady, and
with a capital of £5,302 standing to the credit of 2,558
depositors at the present time, it may be counted as an
object-lesson of the greatness in small things.
At the first General Meeting of the year 1901 we have
minute records of unanimous resolutions making a grant
of £50 to the new building fund of the Royal Infirmary,
and a grant of £25 to the building fund of the Children's
Hospital. To the credit of Co-operators be it said they
are not unmindful or neglectful of their obligations, and
recognise the claims of those institutions which exist
for the common good.
Early in the year tenders were accepted for the
erection of the Duke Street Branch Stores, which were
rapidly completed, and opened in December, at a cost
of £1,966.
44 CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
The " look-before-you-leap " policy that characterised
the opening of early Branch Stores prevailed by opening
rented shops at Oakbrook Road and at Crookes.
Looking well ahead to future requirements, the
Committee secured a choice bit of freehold land at
Woodseats, containing an area of 523 square yards, at a
cost of £235, on which now stands Branch No. 15.
Rapid development in the Ecclesall Road and Sharrow
Vale area put a strain on the Napier Street premises,
which justified the claims of the members for a Branch
Stores in the district, and property, consisting of a
house with back land to Neill Road, was purchased for
£570. The house was converted into a shop at the lowest
price on record, viz., £69. 5s. lod.
The stabling accommodation at Stalker Walk by
this time had become altogether inadequate, and excellent
premises for our purpose in Lenton Street were purchased,
consisting of stabling, dwelling-house, and ample yard
accommodation for vehicles, at a cost of £750.
The Fawcett Street Stores, opened in 1895, had proved
a great success. With a dense working class population
surrounding it, greatly in need of the benefits of Co-opera-
tion, it made wonderful progress. On the piece of vacant
land in Bellefield Street and Fawcett Street, the question of
what to do with it resulted in the building of four houses
and a Butchering Department, at a cost of £1,548. A
little earlier in the year of 1902, after very lengthy
negotiations with the Sheffield Society, the Dronfield
property was purchased for £1,500. Well built, with
fine storage room, meeting-room, stabling, grocery,
drapery, butchering, and Manager's house, and adapted
for a large trade, the property was more in keeping with
its affluent day than at the time of our purchase, when
their sales had dwindled down to £30 per week.
It is often said that history repeats itself, and although
this cannot be exactly claimed for the opening of the
thirteenth Branch at Division Street, it is very remarkable
that our original rented shop at No. 123 was but two
doors from the Store opened by the Sheffield Improved
Industrial and Provident Society in the j'ear 1866.
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD. 45
A resolution of importance passed during the year :—
That, subject to existing engagements, no person shall be
employed by the Society who is related by blood to any member
of the Committee of Management.
That /5, 5s. be voted to the Robert Owen Memorial Fund.
The adoption of the Society's housebuilding scheme
at the Special General Meeting in October, 1901, added
another strong link in the chain of Co-operative develop-
ment and usefulness. Within less than two years from
arrangements with the Society's bankers for an overdraft,
capital had grown so rapidly that the Committee were
confronted with the problem of having more money than
they had immediate occasion for in trade extensions.
Other Societies than our own have had the same problem,
and solved it by the same method, that of assisting
members to build or buy their own houses, on easy pay-
ments spread over a number of years. It strikes us as
being more desirable to find use for surplus money in work
of this kind, than rejecting it only to direct its easy flow
into other less deserving channels.
When the proposal came forward it was strongly
contended that it was bad business to pay 5 per cent to
members for its use, and charge 4 J- when it was lent out
again. So far as we had a surplus it was argued, and
rightly, that by lending it at 4^ per cent was better finance
than a deposit with the bankers at 2J per cent.
A great work has been done by Co-operators in
housebuilding, and whilst our share has been relatively
small, yet without doubt the scheme was exceedingly
attractive and successful. In the first year of its adoption
over ;£2,ooo was advanced, and before its close a total
of £16,000 was reached.
With the completion of the new bakery extensions,
the Society possessed one of the largest and best equipped
bakeries in the city. The machines, which were driven
by electric motors, were of the best approved type, and
two new ovens — accommodation and capacity badly
needed — ^were provided to meet future as well as present
needs. The building extensions and machinery were
carried out at a cost of £1,^00.
46 CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
The acquirement of the Ecclesall Road property in 1903
was the first practical step in the direction of Central
Premises. We are often told we ought to be at the corner
where the bank stands, and whilst we agree that it is a
much desired position, perhaps the next best thing is
close proximity. The Committee did not enter into
purchasing propertj' at a cost of £3,300 without grave
deliberation, but they came to the conclusion that the
site was very desirable, and time has justified their
opinion. Without definite future plans, except as to the
opening of a Furnishing Department, the development
of the site was left for later consideration.
Amongst other resolutions passed during the year
are the following : —
That the Committee consider the question of reducing hours
worked by employees to forty-eight per week.
Mr. J. C. Cooke moved the resolution at the General
Meeting, but it was defeated.
That a letter of thanks be sent to Mr. S. Roberts, M.P., for his
promise to present our petition in Parliament for the prevention
of corruption in trade.
" Burning the midnight oil " with frequency at
Committee meetings was the reason for this resolution : —
That any business not reached by 10 p.m. be adjourned,
unless a formal resolution is moved and carried to sit later.
So far as memory serves, the good rule was speedily
and frequently put out of action owing to ever-increasing
work and responsibility.
The year 1904 will still be remembered by many as
one of bitter experience. For some considerable time
a campaign of calumny and slander had been carried on
against Co-operative Societies in many parts of the
country. The most un-English methods of press fighting
were resorted to with the avowed object of smashing the
Stores, as if the people's great movement could be swept
aside without something better taking its place. Our
Society neither escaped the common attack, nor yet its
evil consequences. Indeed, we believe we were pursued
as relentlessly as any Society, and more thaii most.
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD. 47
No institution can continue to thrive without con-
fidence, and this the traders succeeded in disturbing.
With a plentiful distribution of bills and posters of an
exciting character, the attack had a serious effect on the
Society. Members who believed the Society was all right
nevertheless withdrew their capital from the Society on
the principle that " it's best to be on the safe side."
Large as the share withdrawals were, every claim was
readily met on demand. The usual notice required by
rule was waived, and the readiness with which the Society
made payment had a beneficial effect. A supreme test
of financial stability in any crisis is the promptness with
which demands for money are met, and the Society was
never in difficulty for a moment in dealing with it. The
seriousness of the situation was not without its humorous
side. To test the Society by an application for £5 is an
illustrative instance. To see if it could be got easily was
the object of the test. We had great sympathy for those
who had years of savings in the Stores who didn't want to
lose it, and our advice was to take the monej' rather than
have the nightmare of anxiety. Those with large sums
in were the speediest applicants to take it out, and with
an assurance that the money was only wanted for a short
time, they had neither our sympathy or admiration.
If it is only just a little spark of Co-operation we
feel encouraged. During many months it was a trying
experience for all concerned. With decreasing sales and
membership, and withdrawals of a large capital, a gloom
was cast over the Society such as never had been
experienced for a quarter of a century. Action for libel
was considered, but a " take no notice " policy, which
the Co-operative Union advised, was acted upon, but the
wisdom of it may be questioned. True, where there is "no
wool for the shearer the game is not worth the candle," and
a libel action is an expensive matter. To ignore slander
was almost to invite not only continuity of attack, but to
raise suspicion and doubt as to our bona fides, and this
was the experience. Plenty of work was found for the
Educational Committee during the troubled times, and
their help was valuable. Numerous meetings were held
48 CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
in all parts where our Stores are situated, with the object
of bringing about a restoration of confidence. We might
say one word more, that " out of evil often comes good."
Resistance to our efforts made all concerned keen and
more alive to the necessity of being up-to-date in
administration and discipline, more earnest in our work,
with a greater enthusiasm to achieve greater things.
The success of the Plymouth Society in their libel
action against the Tradesman and Shopkeeper in 1906
brought to an end the most objectionable method of
press warfare against Co-operative institutions that
has ever been experienced.
During the year the first step in dealing with the
Ecclesall and Cemetery Roads property was made by
opening a Furnishing Department. Believing a central
position necessary for this and similar departments, the
Committee stated that " on the patronage this depart-
ment receives will depend future operations."
At a Special General Meeting held in November the
alteration of rules was passed for half-yearly stocktaking
and for the professional audit of the Society's accounts.
To save expense and much inconvenience arising from
quarterly stocktaking was the object of the change.
Respecting the audit, the Committee were of opinion that
whilst there was no reflection on the ability of the
members' auditors, or the manner in which the work had
been carried out, they believed that greater confidence
would be ensured by a professional audit.
The old rented shop at Toftwood Road, Crookes, had
given sufficient proof by its increasing trade and members
to justify consideration for more ample and better
accommodation. With an eye to the possibilities of the
future, a piece of land was bought in 1902 at a cost of £120.
With the running out of the lease of the old shop, new
Stores were anticipated and the work completed at a cost
of £2,000, from the designs of Mr. Paterson, the Society's
architect. The increasing population has contributed to
the success of the Branch, and, although it was con-
sidered that accommodation was being provided for a
H BouKNr,
1883-91 ; 1395-1913-
S. J. Wilson, /
1899-1912; 1912-13- i
J. Baggaley,
igoo-13.
^ (
PRESENT MEMBERS OF GENERAL COMMITTEE.
PKESKNT MEMliEKS OF GENERAL COJIMITTEE.
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD. 5I
long time ahead, we find that it is none too large for
present needs, with its turnover of £340 per week.
It is interesting to recall the great development that
has taken place in the Crookes district of late years. The
writer well remembers when the delivery boundary only
went as far as Crookesmoor Road, and this only fort-
nightly. One of our members who was one of the first
to live in Western Road, wanted his goods delivered
there, even being satisfied with a monthly delivery, but
the Committee could not see their way to depart from the
boundary line fixed. We quote this to show how rapidly
the neighbourhood has grown, and instead of delivering
monthly, there is a Branch Stores farther out where
members do their shopping daily.
The call on our Society to give support to the new
University building fund was met in a prompt and
generous spirit. The members' meeting made a magnifi-
cent grant of ;f 150 towards this object. It is argued, and
rightly, that if Co-operators do the trade which the
shopkeeper used to do, the Society should assist in those
movements and developments which are in the city's
interest. Whether we can take full benefit for the money
we grant is not altogether the question. We believe that,
if our city is to prosper, education must be of the highest
and best. Some of our members have attended the even-
ing classes at the University, and maybe some of our
members' children have passed from the Central School
to the University, but at any rate the highest education
has been brought nearer, and our satisfaction is that we
have made the possibilities of the future greater.
To help the Women's Congress in Sheffield by making
a grant of £40 is another instance that the Society is not
merely a dividend machine, but an instrument for the
common good.
CHAPTER IV.
1905 to 1909.
" Labour's strong and merry children,
Comrades of the rising sun,
Let us sing some songs together,
Now our toil is done."
Co-operative Exhibition — Old Metal Checks Abolished — Amalgama-
tion with Sheffield Society — Bonus System Ceased — Federal
Shop Discussed — New Premises Opened at Woodseats — North-
western Section Demonstration and Exhibition — Arts and Crafts
Exhibition — Rate of Depreciation on Property Reduced —
Educational Work Discussed — Amalgamation with Brightside
and Carbrook Society Discussed at General Meeting.
PERHAPS at no time in the Society's history had the
Committee and officials greater anxiety than in the
year 1905. Trade depression prevailed right
through the year, and the attack by the trade press ^vas
unceasing. In the Committee's report for August a
cheery optimism saw an indication of trade revival, but,
unfortunately, the bright day amid the clouds was not
yet at hand. Instead of improvement we find in the
November report that the unprecedented period of bad
trade still continued, which caused a decrease in sales.
Misfortunes seldom come singly, and, to make matters
worse still, for the first time in five years the dividend
dropped from 2s. 4d. to 2s. To meet hard times prices
had been cut fine, with the consequence of less margin
of profit. With a decreased turnover the rate of expenses
was very high, and the result was a fall in the dividend,
with serious consequences affecting both membership
and trade.
The trade for the half year was little short of £100,000,
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD. 53
and the financial position of the Society was unshaken,
yet there was a fear that all was not well. Magnificent
provision by depreciation and reserve for safeguarding
the Society had been made for years, but it is a matter
on which conviction is not easy to bring home. The
measure of prosperity we fear is reckoned according to the
dividend rate, but it is a great fallacy. During the half
year when the dividend dropped the sum of £1,167 had
been written off as depreciation on property and fixtures,
but provision of this kind is little understood, notwith-
standing the splendid safeguard. Still the good work
went on, and even a small additional Branch is within
the definition of progress. The one and only Branch
opened during the year was at Norton Woodseats, which
was of the usual type, being a small rented shop at £35
per year.
The Society has had many enthusiastic workers on
the Committee of Management, and of this number
Mr. T. J. W. Siddall was one who rendered excellent
service during the time he was a member of the Board.
Elected in i8gg, he soon won the admiration of his
colleagues by his business capabilities and his devotion
to the Society's interests. He was a good speaker, lucid
in debate, and his experience on matters of finance made
him a strong man in Committee. With increasing friendly
society work, which already Mr. Siddall was prominently
engaged in, he found it necessary to retire. His
colleagues passed a resolution of thanks for the valuable
services rendered during the past seven years, and a
similar resolution of thanks was accorded by the General
Meeting of members with regret at his retirement.
The opening prospects of 1906 were very discouraging
— stiU bad trade, still persecution, still diminished con-
fidence ; but nevertheless a substantial trade for the
quarter was done, amounting to £54,157. Three months
is but a short period, but it brought about a welcome
change. With the issue of the report for the May half
year, care and anxiety had visibly diminished. With
it came the dawn of a brighter future, the re-commence-
ment of a period of progress which has never since been
54 CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
retarded, and confidence was the magic which wrought
the marvellous change. The Committee's report for
May was one of the most cheery. The results for the half
year, it is stated, " have been perfectly satisfactory.
Each department has contributed to the Society's general
welfare, expenses have been reduced, trade increased,
and a dividend of 2s. 4d. in the £ is recommended."
Whilst share withdrawals were heavy during the first
portion of the half year, it is stated that " since the tactics
of that press have been exposed by the Plymouth Society,
a great measure of confidence has been restored." The
victory of the Plymouth Society was a victory for the
great Co-operative movement, and the fruits of that
victory restored to us that confidence which never should
have been taken away.
In April, 1906, Mr. J. W. Yates, one of the " old
brigade," retired from the Committee of Management,
and a vote of thanks by the General Meeting for services
rendered during 20 years was heartily accorded him,
with best wishes for his speedy recovery to health.
Almost to the last Mr. Yates continued in harness, for
after a short illness he passed away on the 4th of May.
Mr. Sandford (President), Mr. Bourne (Committee),
Mr. Walton (General Manager), and Mr. Rose (Secretary)
attended the funeral. A wreath was sent as a tribute of
respect, and to the family were conveyed the Committee's
condolences in their bereavement.
A welcome and interesting feature of the year was a
Co-operative Exhibition, held in the Corn Exchange,
organised by the Co-operative Wholesale Society for the
purpose of encouraging Co-operative productions. Mr.
J. Shillito, the much-esteemed Chairman of the C.W.S.,
performed the opening ceremony, and in the course of his
remarks spoke of the good conditions of labour prevailing
in the employment of the Wholesale Society, and the duty
of Co-operators and shareholders to give it support. On
exhibition were soaps, jams, sweets, tobacco, shirt-
making, biscuits, furniture, and many other goods. Some
thousands attended, and, without doubt, it was a great
success.
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD. 55
After an experience of over thirty years with the old
metal check system, it was abandoned in favour of the
present paper checks. The simplicity of the old metal
tokens of tin, brass, and copper, to represent the value of
purchases, was a system everybodj' could understand,
and which most members were pleased with. However,
it was considered to be antiquated, and hence its abandon-
ment for a more modern, up-to-date system. Its most
commendable simplicity was the source of its trouble.
The easy way in which checks could pass from hand to
hand, by which members could and did purchase non-
members' checks, was objectionable. It was hardly the
proper thing for checks to find their way to the pawnshop,
but we had actual experience of such an occurrence.
Still another drawback was surplus checks over the
amount of sales for the quarter, and it was a serious matter
when that particular quarter happened to be a light one
for sales and a heavy one for expenses. To do away
with trafficking, to have a record of every member's
purchases, to know exactly the amount on which dividend
had to be paid, and to do away with checktaking days
were the objects of the new system.
Its formal adoption took place at the June General
Meeting, but it did not come into operation until the
commencement of the new half year in 1907. A great
deal of time was spent in inquiry and organisation before
its adoption, and the work of thoroughness in all the
arrangements resulted in a smooth and satisfactory
working of the new system. It is interesting to recall the
Committee's consideration of this identical system twenty
years before its adoption, but the expense and clerical
labour in\'olved at that time was the reason of its rejection.
With the advent of adding machines the system leaped
into popularity, and its speedy adoption in all parts of the
country recommended its further consideration. As a
check against the shopman it has brought to light many
instances of fraud that would otherwise never have been
revealed, and, taking it as a whole, it has proved an
efficient and up-to-date system.
By a vote of 319 for amalgamation, as against sixteen
56 CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
opposed to it, the proposal for its adoption with the
Sheffield Society was carried on July 15th, 1907, and at
the same time the good old title of "Ecclesall," of which
many were proud, lost precedence but gained distinction
by having added to it the word "Sheffield," and thus
our Society became what it is to-day — "Sheffield and
Ecclesall."
Vigorous and angry resentment against amalgamation
marked its first introduction ten years previously at the
Temperance Hall, at which over a thousand people
gathered. Time oft softens anger, and the favourable
change of opinion and warmth of feeling was in remarkable
contrast to its reception and rejection on its previous
introduction. Our President (Mr. Sandford) moved the
resolution for amalgamation, and, in advocating its
adoption, believed " that apart from sentiment it was a
commendable business arrangement." A well-merited
tribute he paid to " a good number of self-sacrificing
members, who, through good and ill, had stood by the
Sheffield Society," which, after all, reflects the true spirit
of Co-operation. In a few appropriate words Mr. Gorrill
(the President of the Sheffield Society) acknowledged the
tribute, and with visible emotion concluded with remarks
that with amalgamation came the end of a twenty years'
struggle. He believed that those who had stood loyally
by the old Society would continue their support with the
new.
As a matter of prudence it was mutually agreed that
the capital of the Sheffield members should be subject
to repayment by instalments spread over five years, but
the safeguard was quickly waived. No claim of an
unreasonable kind was ever made, and application for
payment of share capital was recognised in a prompt and
generous spirit.
The old-established practice of giving bonus to
employees for satisfactory service came to an end during
the present year. As an incentive to the best and
devoted service the principle of giving bonus was recog-
nised and commended with little exception. It was in
1878 that bonus was first paid, and Mr. Walton, our
CO-OPER.\TION IN SHEFFIELD. 57
present General Manager, was the first person to receive
it. His successful management strengthened the belief
in the wisdom of the bonus principle. From 15s. 6d.
paid in the first quarter of its adoption, the amount
reached £1,300 a year, and was given to everj^ employee
who had rendered satisfactory sendee. Unsatisfacton,'
ser^dce led in a few cases to stoppage of bonus, and the
legal right of stoppage was challenged at ^'a^ious times.
A strong feeling grew up that however good the
system was in theor\', it worked out badlj' in practice, and
wth a strong recommendation from the employees for its
abolition, it came to an end. The Committee met the
matter in a proper spirit, and ^^'ith the cessation of bonus
the equivalent was added to the wages of each employee.
The rate of bonus was exactly the same as the members
dividend, reckoned on the amount of wages paid.
Our relations with our neighbours the Brightside and
Carbrook Society have always been friendlj-, and man}'
meetings between the Committees have taken place to
discuss matters of mutual interest and the general welfare
of the movement. The most attractive feature under
discussion during the j-ear was a " Grand City Emporium"
on federal lines. \^^ith the immense capital of the joint
Societies, and a combined membership exceeding 45,000,
the scheme seemed to possess great possibilities which
could jointly be carried out with safetj'. After much dis-
cussion and many meetings the idea was abandoned, our
own Society not seeing their way to take up the enterprise
at the time, but were wiling to give it further considera-
tion when the Society had more share capital at their
disposal. It may be, with the prevailing tendency to
amalgamation, that the conception of a great city estab-
lishment may yet materiaUse, which would strengthen
the bonds of Co-operation from east to west.
Perhaps no one has done more for Co-operation by
tongue and pen than the late ilr. George Jacob Hoh'oake.
To perpetuate his memory the Co-operati\-e Union raised
a fund of £20,000 for new premises in which to carry on
the important work of organisation and propaganda, and
the headquarters at Manchester now bear the honoured
58 CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
name of " Holyoake House." It was the Society's
pleasure to give one hundred and thirty guineas as a
contribution towards the memorial.
The March Quarterly Meeting of 1908 bristled with
business, and, in addition to a grant of £60 towards the
expenses of the Co-operative demonstration, and a grant
of £50 to meet the expenses of the Arts and Crafts
Exhibition, a resolution of more than ordinary import-
ance was discussed at length and carried on the motion
of Mr. A. Castle :—
That, as the members of this Society consist of people of all
shades of political and religious opinion, we think it advisable for
the future to make no grant to any Society or movement of a
distinctive political or religious character, thereby saving the
giving of offence to any considerable section of the members which
such grants may cause, to the detriment of the Society as a whole.
In the absence from this meeting of our President
(Mr. Sandford) Mr. H. Bourne occupied the chair, and in
suitable and feeling terms referred to the death of Mrs.
Sandford. On the motion of Mr. Bourne a resolution of
condolence was passed expressing sincere sympathy with
Mr. Sandford in his irreparable loss.
A question often cropping up is whether Co-operators
ought to have representatives in Parliament. The matter
came before the Newport Congress, and on the instructions
of the General Board our delegates were instructed to vote
in support of the proposal.
The support of old-age pensions is contained in a
resolution of the Committee urging upon the Government
the necessity of establishing a national system of old-age
pensions, a copy of which resolution was sent to all our
city M.P.'s, the Prime Minister, and Chancellor of the
Exchequer.
In September the Society's new premises at Norton
Woodseats, erected at a cost of £1,483, were opened for
business. The fifteenth Branch has been a great success,
the ever-increasing population in the district and the
growing popularity of the Store contributing to it.
It will be news to some of our Hathersage friends to
learn that in this particular year we had entered into
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD. 59
negotiations for the purchase of our present Hathersage
Branch. On August 17th the deposit was paid into the
hands of our soUcitor, but for some reason best known to
the parties the purchase was not completed, and our only
course lay in an action for damages for breach of contract.
The disappointment was great, but no action was entered
into. After a lapse of four years it is remarkable that the
same property should be offered to us which we had
previously endeavoured to purchase. Such are the
fortunes of circumstances.
Another great distinguishing feature of 1908 was the
holding in September of a Co-operative Demonstration
and Exhibition in the citj', organised by the North-
western Section of the Co-operative Union. It was not
the first exhibition, but it was far away the largest, and the
demonstration as a whole was unique. An object-lesson
of the power of Co-operation was illustrated by a magnifi-
cent procession in which all the horses and vehicles of our
own Society and the Brightside and Carbrook Society
and some few from neighbouring Societies took part.
Accompanying the procession were bands of music, an^i
carriages occupied by officials, headed by mounted police.
Decorated vehicles with Co-operative produce and
manufacture figured prominently, and the whole formed a
most instructive spectacle, witnessed by thousands of
people on the route of march.
At the DriU HaU a fine exhibition of Co-operative
productions by the Co-operative Wholesale Society and
other Societies was displayed, the opening ceremony being
performed by Mr. D. Mc.Innes, of the C.W.S. A choir
competition at the Albert Hall, in which about 600 took
part, completed a demonstration of a character never
before seen in our city.
Advertising is, in a general way, left to others, for
which the pubhc has to pay. Education and propa-
ganda is instruction, and vital to the development of the
movement. The wasteful expenditure of hoarding and
newspaper advertising is not the business of Co-operators,
but it is essential that the character, force, and expansion
of our institutions are brought to notice in a practical
6o CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
way for the better knowledge of those both within and
without the great movement.
The year igo8 was a great propaganda year, and a
unique feature of it was an Arts and Crafts Exhibition,
opened at Easter, for the purpose of encouraging the
children of members to take pleasure in the different
forms of art and craft. With the transformation of the
old hall at Trippet Lane into a hall of magnificence, com-
parable with the best, it enabled the Committee to enter
upon a work of this kind never before attempted. The
exhibits were varied and interesting, and some were really
marvellous productions. Paintings in oil and water
colours and photography were well represented. Beautiful
specimens of needle and wool work were sent in, with wood
work and metal work, altogether representing some
hundreds of entries, and formed a very successful
exhibition. The Society was indebted to Sir William
Clegg (Chairman of the Sheffield Education Committee)
for his presence at the opening ceremony, who bestowed
much praise on the first efforts in this direction. Work
of this kind entails a vast amount of labour, but, notwith-
standing this, it is a work of great educational value,
which is well repaid for the pleasure it gives and the feeling
of sociability carried with it.
The great strength of the Society's financial position
is undoubtedly owing to the extraordinary provision
made for depreciation of land, buildings, and fixtures,
which for twenty years was maintained at the rate of 2j
per cent on land on the original cost, 5 per cent on the
original cost of buildings, and 10 per cent on the nominal
value of fixtures.
With the heralded approach of new Central Premises,
involving large capital expenditure, it was doubtful
whether we could continue depreciating at such a high
rate, and whether it was fair to all concerned that it
should be done. For some time the Committee had been
of the opinion that the Society's depreciation rates were
higher than is general in the movement. Inquiries were
made from sixty of the largest Societies as to the general
rate prevailing, and it was found that there was no single
THOMAS WALTON,
General Manager.
Appointed September 23RD, 18
WILLIAM ROSE, F.C.I.S.
(Public Auditor),
General Secretary.
Appointed October ijth, i881
^W^'^^xk
CO-OPERATIOK IN SHEFFIELD. 63
instance amongst the Societies communicated with who
were depreciating so handsomely as our own Society.
In the Committee's report deahng with the matter it is
stated that " their first consideration has ahvays been
the Society's stability and ^\'eIfare, and to place it in a
thoroughly soimd financial position."
The charge against profits, it was pointed out, was
greatly in excess of the actual wear and tear which had
taken place, with the result that a very large hidden
resen,-e had been built up. \\'ith depreciation amounting
to ;f 18,063, equal to \mting off 39'22 on the original cost,
and with experience proving that buildings had a far
longer life than twenty years, the Committee felt safe in
recommending that the rate on buildings be reduced to
2 J per cent, and on land ij per cent, the generally
accepted rate in the movement. The proposal came
before the General fleeting, and was adopted, thus
relieving fixed charges of over £800 per annum, which
has been applied prudently in the writing off of diminish-
ing assets which have since demanded attention.
The question of educational work is one of much
importance, but with the excellent opportunities afforded
in our city for acquiring education on almost every subject
of everyday importance, the part left for us is, in the main.
Co-operative propaganda and education, particularly
relating to the movement. The question is often cropping
up whether our education is of the right type, whether the
amount spent in educational work is worth the money
devoted to the purpose, and whether the organisation is
of the right kind to produce the most effective results.
We get both affirmative and negative answers to these
questions. The subject was well discussed at the March
meeting, and a proposal that the educational work be
done in future by the Committee of Management was
defeated.
Sometimes a question of great importance arises in the
Boardroom, on which there is an equal division of opinion,
and it has happened, though rarely, that the matter
has been brought before the members' General Meeting to
clear the air, so to speak, and test the matter. In
64 CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
Committee a resolution was proposed for amalgamation
with the Brightside and Carbrook Society, which resulted
in a vote of five for and six against. It was to test the
feeling of the members that Mr. John Penny moved a
resolution at the General Meeting —
That this meeting is of opinion that, providing suitable terms
can be arranged, the interests of the Co-operative movement in
Sheffield will be advanced by amalgamation.
There was a good discussion on the matter, but the resolu-
tion was lost. Whilst we find a concord of opinion on the
theory of amalgamation, and a general admittance that
business can be done more economically by joining forces,
there is still that school of thought which believes that
" the aim to be best in the race " is a strong factor in
efficiency, and that the spirit of brotherly enterprise is not
opposed to the best interests of our movement. There
are, again, traditions with one's own particular Society,
which have taken deep root. To sever long-established
connection is like parting with an old friend, and it seems
likely enough that amalgamation is, at any rate, post-
poned to the distant future.
When good times are with us there is an aptitude to
forget hard times, even a short time ago. This happened
during the year 1909, when trade was bad, which affected
the spending power of our members. The sales for the
half year ending in January, which amounted to £110,276,
showed a decrease of £5,243 over the corresponding period
of the year previous, notwithstanding the higher prices
which had to be paid for goods. The consequence was
that, with reduced sales and with practically the same
expenses and charges, the dividend dropped from 2s. 2d.
to 2s. The problem of how to increase the business
during bad trade is not easily solved, but it brought about
a declaration of policy in favour of low prices, even though
the dividend should be less. However, with a lighter
rate of depreciation and the return of better trade,
matters righted themselves, and the dividend went back
once more to 2s. 2d.
During the year the coal-bagging trade was com-
menced. The old days of a barrow or wagon to fetch a
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD. 65
hundredweight of coals are now as obsolete as horse trams.
Co-operative Societies, like other business firms, are alive
to the requirements of their members, and every bit
as anxious to cater for them. The coal-bagging trade of
to-day is a great go-ahead business, meeting the con-
venience of a great many who prefer coal in bags. From
a few hundred bags a week our drays are now delivering
thousands, and there is little doubt it is a business that has
come to stay. A ton of coal costs a lot of money to-day.
Someone has suggested that we should sell at 2s. a ton less
without dividend, which would be better than 2s. more
with it. Our trade might increase and multiply wonder-
fully, but do Co-operators want coal on such terms ?
Maybe in the course of time we shall get an answer.
CHAPTER V.
1910 to 1915.
" Self-reliance and self-denial will teach a man to drink out of
his own cistern and eat his own sweet bread, and to learn and
labour truly to get his living and carefully expend the good things
committed to his trust." — Francis Bacon.
Minuniim Wage Question Discussed — Additional Pitrchases of
Ecclcsall and Cemetery Roads Property — Record Increases of
Sales and Membership — Napier Street Premises Written Off —
Subscriptions to Hospitals Increased — National Insurance
Act — Lease of Co-operative Hall to C.W.S.
A FTER the lapse of three years another Arts and
/ \ Crafts Exhibition was held in the Co-operative
■*- ^ Hall, Trippet Lane, at Easter. The organisation
work was carried out jointly by the Educational Com-
mittee and representatives from the Management
Committee and Women's Guild. The exhibits exceeded
600 of all descriptions of art and handicraft, with com-
petitions arranged into manj' classes. The opening
ceremony was performed by Mr. William Lander (C.W.S.
Director), and Mr. J. B. Howard, the President of the
Exhibition Committee, occupied the chair. Entertain-
ments and musical competitions for the full week added to
the interest and enjoyment of the exhibition. It was
attended by large numbers and was a great success.
The minimum wage question, now so prominent, was
for the first time brought before the General Meeting in
June, 1910, by notice of motion given by Mr. W. Bagshaw,
which was carried : —
That this meeting recommends that the Committee take into
consideration the advisability of gradually putting into operation
the trade union rate of wages (Yorkshire scale) for our employees,
not less than the minimum to be reached in two years from this
date.
3RANCH No. I, WOLSELEY ROAD, LOVVFIELDS.
Branch Xo. 5. ABBEYDALE ROAD.
Branch \o. 21, HATHERSAGE.
UK ff
^^^
K^ g„u« Mm
1 ,ii«u,.B<:'*W- CwmM4^^ .■
Ii j^iL. 'j-Af . r.^,;'-{4'' li^' -'.^M
^^^^W
«iQ|
Bkanch No. 2, GLEADLESS ROAD. Branch No. 7, BROOMHILL.
Branch No. i6, GREYSTONES.
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD. 69
This question lias been very freely discussed at the
Quarterly Meetings, but, as is fairly well known, there is a
difference of opinion on the Board as to its practicability,
both in the interests of the Society and its employees.
The minimum wage to adults has been recognised, and
wages have been increased substantially in general since
the resolution was passed, but the Committee have not yet
seen their way to adopt the scale for female employees.
As to the merits of the resolution, either for or against, it
cannot be here entered upon, but to state briefly as a
matter of importance and interest the fact' of the resolu-
tion and its origin.
The difficulty the Committee find in adopting the
Yorkshire scale arises in the case of female workers, who
admittedly are badly paid. It is common knowledge that
girls employed in dressmaking and millinery establish-
ments in general give free service for eighteen months or
two years, and the crucial point is that if Co-operative
Societies have to pay greatly in excess of local custom it
will drive trade away from the stores into private shops,
to the detriment of both the Society and its employees.
A purchase of great importance was the acquiring of
additional property in Ecclesall and Cemetery Roads, at a
cost of £3,700. The property, which comprised 860
yards of freehold, was a valuable addition to our previous
purchase, and was really the determining feature that
brought the long-discussed question of Central Premises
to a climax.
The year 1911, the thirty-seventh of the Society's
history, had so many distinguishing features that we
might well term it a record year. Sales, which are
regarded as the hall-mark of prosperity, amounted to
£266,429 for the year, showing a magnificent increase of
£29,943 over the preceding year. With 1,359 "^^w mem-
bers for the year, and a total exceeding 15,000, all records
were beaten.
On the financial side the year witnessed the writing off
completely of the' .whole of the Napier Street premises,
which have cost the Society over £5,000. It is an
achievement in which pride is justified, knowing that.
70 CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
although the premises are being given up as a Central
Stores, yet there is a great utility value as a warehouse,
and that the property as a reserve adds greatly to the
strength of the Society's financial position.
With increasing prosperity it is to our credit that we
were not unmindful of the ever-increasing demands made
upon the hospitals, and our duty to give them support.
The proposal to double the subscriptions was unanimously
carried by the General Meeting of members. To the
Royal Hospital it was decided to give an annual subscrip-
tion of 100 guineas, the Royal Infirmary 34 guineas, the
Jessop Hospital 36 guineas, and the Children's Hospital
16 guineas.
New Branch Stores, which have been very successful,
were opened in Walkley Lane and Norton Lees Road.
With the usual prudence of breaking the ground, rented
shops were taken, and the success attending it has justified
our entering upon the purchase of property in Cliffefield
Road, and Branch Stores are already being erected in
Walkley Lane.
The most salient features of a successful year in 1912
were record increases in members and sales. The turnover
of £307,871 for the year was nearly equal to the total sales
of the first twenty-one years in the Society's history.
With a magnificent increase over the preceding year of
£41,441 in sales, and an increased membership of 1,723,
making a total of 16,132, we are entering on our greatest
enterprise in new Central Premises under very encouraging
circumstances.
The Housebuilding Department was re-opened
during the year by arrangement with the Co-operative
Wholesale Society, which has surplus funds for the
purpose of assisting members to build or purchase their
own houses. A number of applications have already been
granted, and we are of opinion that these facilities will at
least benefit some of our members.
During the year the National Lisurance Act came into
operation. This affected 239 male eijiployees and fiftj'-
eight females, and caused an additional expenditure to
the Society of about £200 per annum. So far as it
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD. 7I
concerned the Society's employees no difference was made
in the long-established practice of paying six weeks' full
wages during sickness in the year. This act of generosity
was appreciated by the employees, and through their
official body their thanks were expressed.
In acting as a local Committee for the Co-operative
Wholesale Society over 1,200 persons have been admitted ,
as members. The payment of sick benefit is carried out
by the Managers of the various Branch Stores, and the
sick visiting in the female section by several ladies
appointed by the different districts of the Women's Guild.
Another link is thus, added to the Co-operative chain of
usefulness.
Another matter which was dealt with was the intro-
duction of the motor service for the rapid delivery of
goods to Branches. This is a service which is already
developing by the purchase of another van of greater
carrying capacity.
" Home safes," an up-to-date method for putting by
small savings, were also introduced, and nearly 400 have
been issued. The conditions on which they are obtained
is that each person must have 3s. standing to his or her
credit in the Penny Bank before obtaining a safe.
On November 4th we opened our twenty-first Branch
at Hathersage. For a long time we had been pressed by
members residing in the district for a Branch Store, and,
as already mentioned in an earlier chapter, we had great
difficulty in obtaining either land or premises to give
effect to their wishes. The Branch is doing a steady,
increasing trade, and we are hopeful of the best results.
Closing Year, 1913.
. In closing the last year of the Society's history with a
turnover of £344,199, great as the figures are, it by no
means represents the spendings of 17,588 members. A
strong feeling exists on the part of those who have pledged
themselves by voice and vote to the new Central Premises
scheme, that having put ourselves in shape to do the
drapery and kindred trades on up-to-date lines, there
ought to be solid, substr/itial support forthcoming from
72
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
tlie vas.t majority' of members. The building is worthy
of the city and of the members, and tliere should not
only be a keen desire on the part of everyone to
give indi\'idual support, but to spread the benefits of
Co-operati^'e trading amongst their friends. It is the
members' Store, built \\'ith their money, for their own
purpose, in their own welfare, and there is the highest
hopes of future prosperit\'.
Mode]. BAKhiii-, AhiBEvnALE koAn
Early in the year we parted with the Co-operative
Hall so far as its use for meetings was concerned. We
shared the regret of many others that our own business
meetings and social gatherings, and those of other kindred
organisations, under our own rool came to an end, but it
was felt that the outlook of Co-operative enterprise
would stand to gain in the action that was taken bj- the
Committee. It will be within the knowledge of many
members that the hall has been let on lease to the
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
73
Co-operative Wholesale Society for the purpose of a
factory for making blue jean overalls and jackets, for which
there is a demand in thousands. Already upwards of lOO
female workers are employed, and as more accommodation
becomes available it will be taken up. Many children
of Co-operators have found employment under better
conditions and better wages than is usual in a factory of
this kind. We believe the Co-operative outlook will be
0\'ENS IN Bakery, Abbevdale Road,
broadened by Co-operative productions being carried on
in our city, and that what has already been done is only
the commencement of a greater sphere of usefulness.
In Conclusion.
To be a Co-operator in the old times required more
courage than it does to-day. In the earl}/ days it was
looked upon as commonplace — not quite the " tone "
about it to attract popular attention. Co-operation
74 CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
is not any more respectable than ever it was, but that it
is attaining a higher standard of efficiency in the course
of its progress there is but httle doubt. .
The " hve and let live " argument which existed in
favour of the small shopkeeper is becoming as extinct as
the dodo. The right to associate for mutual benefit
and interest is the result of education to some extent.
The power to do it is already acknowledged by those
within the movement, and those who are not within the
ranks are benefited by the wider influence of Co-operation
in its restraint of inflated prices for private profit. The
lessons we have learned during our progress on to success
are the ordinary lessons which, to the observant, are the
lessons to be learned by everyday experience. That
prosperity is the reward of perseverance, courage, and
industry; that working men can raise themselves to a
higher standard of comfort by Co-operative trading, and
with small means and careful savings carry on successfullj'
great undertakings.
The present successful position of the Society is a
fitting memorial to those who have served the Society in
whatever sphere their labours have been carried on. The
employees, without whom success is well nigh impossible,
have their own share in the erection of the structure.
The Educational Committee, the Women's Guilds, and a
host of well-wishers and good workers in e\'eryday life
have done and are doing their best to forward progress.
Those who follow present commercial activity, and the
struggle for trade and business, are well aware that
Co-operative Societies will have as great a fight for
supremacy in the future as they have in the past for the
position they have now attained. If the same living
impulse and energetic direction is displaj-ed of which we
are capable, there is every probability of increasing our
usefulness. The new enterprise is entered upon under
the most favoured circumstances, and with sanguine
hopes of success. It is by far the greatest venture we
have yet entered into, yet, relatively' to the membership,
it is even smaller than the Society's first purchase of
property in 1882.
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD. 75
All the buildings at Napier Street have been written
off, and nearly the whole of the fixtures and fittings, and
with a clean slate, a sound financial position, a bank
balance or money at immediate call sufficient to pay
for the whole outlay of the new Central Premises when
required, we may congratulate ourselves on a \'ery satis-
factory position.
To give a coherent account of the Society's history in
odd hours after a day's work has not lent itself to the best
results. Some thousands of pages in minute records and
balance sheets have had to be read up for the purpose of
presenting anything like a true account. Some of the
information given has been arrived at by interviews with
persons who were well acquainted with the Society's
early history.
One word in conclusion. The new premises are yours,
built with your money, for your business. It should not
be necessary to ask for loyalty. We feel that you will
take a proper pride in your splendid building, and give
your whole-hearted support to make it a success.
Biography.
MR. F. W. SANDFORD (Committee-man and
President). — Thirty-seven years' service without
a break is truly a unique and remarkable record
in the annals of our Society. Mr. Sandford, the President
of to-day, is not only distinguished in this respect, but
has the additional honour of being one of the pioneers who
formed the Society. He was elected on the Management
Board in April, 1876, when the Society needed not
only faithful service but service without fee or reward,
at a time when there was little glory and plenty of
work in serving an obscure Society with small chances
of success. Only strong faith in the cause will induce
earnestness at the expense of self-sacrifice, and Mr.
Sandford was this type of man. In 1902, on Mr.
Fletcher's retirement, he was elected to fill the presidential
chair, and his re-election since that time is evidence
of the high confidence and respect in which he is held.
With his long experience of the Society, combined with
sound judgment, both financial and administrative,
he stands high in the opinion of those who know him best.
To him the .Society owes a great measure of success, audit
is a pleasure to associate him with its de\-elopment and
the position of influence it has attained. His work and
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD. ']']
devotion to the Society's interests stand pre-eminent.
Mr. Sandford is, and has been, a member of the South
Yorkshire Executive Committee of .the Co-operative
Union for some years, and has recently been elected
Chairman of that body. He is also Chairman of the
South Yorkshire District Directors' Association.
Mr. William Walton belongs to the early school of
Committee-men. Joining the Society in 1880, he was
elected on the Management Committee in the year 1881,
and has, with the exception of one year, an unbroken
record of thirty-one years' service. There was very little
competition for the Board in the old days when it was an
impromptu procedure to move and elect at the meetings.
The meetings of that time were held in a little room in
Edmund Street, when twenty formed a quorum, and even
this number was difficult to get at times. Mr. Walton's
experience as a foreman of highways in the Corporation
service has been the Society's gain. His knowledge of
all matters connected with building operations, and his
earlier experience of a country life amongst horses and
cattle, have been helpful on the Sub-Committees of which
he has been a member.
Mr. Henry Bourne is one of the pioneers who
composed the Society at its formation. With the com-
mencement of the Society, Mr. Bourne was elected one of
the Auditors, and in this capacity he acted for two years.
To this service another twenty-six years are added on the
Committee of Management, and during this long period
his work has been characterised by sound judgment.
He has generally served on the Finance Committee, and
the opinion of his colleagues on his financial ability could
scarcely be better expressed than in their confidence in
electing him on the Committee of the highest importance
for a record period. With forceful character, Mr. Bourne
is ready to stand alone in the policy he believes to be the
best. On Special Committees of importance he has been
honoured as much as any man, and his opinion on matters
of vital importance is regarded with great consideration.
78 CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
Mr. S. J. Wilson is an old member on the Board of
Management. Joining the Society seventeen years ago,
he was elected three years later (in 1899), and, with the
exception of a few months, has served since that time.
By trade a silversmith, with ample opportunity for giving
Co-operation a lift with his fellow-workers, he has been an
earnest advocate in this direction. In our own educa-
tional matters he has always taken a keen and active
interest. For a number of years he was the Society's
representative on the Education Committee, and in the
same capacity was a member of the Committee of the
Sheffield Cutlery Society. He was one of the prime
movers for an Arts and Crafts Exhibition, and in many
ways has rendered service to the Society.
Mr. Jonathan Baggaley is not only \\-ell kno\\-n to
Co-operators, but as a friendly society man and a local
preacher for the Wesleyan body he is even better known.
Mr. Baggaley joined the Society in 1896, and four years
later was elected on the Committee of Management. For
seven years he acted as Minute Secretary to the Board,
and on his resignation his efficient work in that capacity
was acknowledged by his colleagues in a resolution
expressing their best thanks. With his long business
training and experience of many years as manager, his
assistance on the Committee has been of great value.
On the Finance Committee he has had the honour of being
elected Chairman, and on Special Committees he has
had a good share of work. For some time he has had
the honour of serving on the Board of Go^•ernors of the
Jessop Hospital.
Mr. James Christie was for the first time elected on
the Management Board in 1901. Prior to this he had acted
as Educational Secretary for some time, doing \'ery useful
work. Unsuccessful at the election in 1907, it was not
until 1910 he was re-elected, and since that time he has
continued in office. IMr. Christie is a manager in the large
paper works of Messrs. Marsden and Sons Limited, and
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD. 79
has been with the firm nearly forty years. The geniality
of his disposition and interest in educational matters are
well known. He is at present a member of the Drapery
Committee.
Mr. William Buckley, a silversmith by trade, has
been a member of the Society since 1897, and a member
of the Board since 1906. Mr. Buckley commenced at the
bottom rung of the ladder in Co-operative work by first
acting as Secretary to the Educational Committee. In
this position he had plenty of hard work, especially during
the campaign of the traders who were out to smash the
Stores. The organising of meetings in various parts of
our area, and the mass of correspondence entailed, fell to
Mr. Buckley. The earnestness of his work at this period
is deserving of this passing tribute. During the local
Arts and Crafts Exhibition he acted as Secretary to the
Special Committee who had the arrangements in hand.
His ability and judgment were recognised by his colleagues
on the appointment of Sub-Committees last year, by
placing him as Chairman of the Grocery Sub-Committee.
Mr. A. Laing is but a young man in the sense of age or
service in the Society, and had the honour of being
placed at the top of the poll at the last election of Com-
mittee. Mr. Laing joined the Society in 1897, and in 1907
was elected on the Board. By trade a cabinet case maker,
his practical knowledge on the question of fittings and
equipment for the new Central Premises has been of
great assistance. His early experience in trade union
matters and of friendly society work, with which many
Co-operators are connected, was very useful training
ground for important committee work. He is the present
Chairman of the Drapery Committee, the Chairman of the
Educational Committee, and has served on the Special
Committee dealing with the new Central Premises since
its formation.
Mr. Urban Swift has been a member of the Board
since 1906, with the exception of a year's retirement
8o CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
when he was unsuccessful at the election of officers in 1908.
Before his election to the Committee he did useful work
for the Society in taking a prominent part during the
traders' attack upon our Society by attending their
meetings. Ever ready to challenge untrue statements,
and to attack them, Mr. Swift gained admiration for his
courage and work during the fight. Like others of his
colleagues he has had a good friendly society experience,
and his ability in public work is of advantage to the cause
he takes up. To Mr. Swift's suggestion at the Newcastle
Congress in 1909 Co-operators are indebted for the
popular penny edition of Our Story. He has done
admirable work on the Educational Committee, Arts and
Crafts Special Committee, and in many other directions.
He is a member of the Special Committee who have had
to deal with vast details in connection with the new
Central Premises, on which he has rendered great service.
Mr. John Penny is a comparatively young member of
the Board, both in years and service. Joining the Society
in 1908, he was elected in 1909, at the first time of asking,
which does not generally fall to the lot of present-day
aspirants to the Board. Mr. Penny's early career was
that of a school teacher, and later as a master in the town
of Preston. Leaving a scholastic profession to act as a
lecturer of the new progressive gospel of Socialism, Mr.
Penny acquired that clear, lucid speech and argument to
which it is a pleasure to listen, whether we agree or not.
After some time spent in lecturing all over the country, he
was appointed General Secretary of the LL.P., and subse-
quently he acted for a short time as local Secretary of
the same party. Short as his service has been with our
Society, it has been distinguished by hard thinking,
earnest work, and a devotion to the Society's interest.
He is one of the members composing the Special Com-
mittee which has had to thrash out a great many details
of construction and administration in connection with
the new Central Premises, and his excellent work is best
known to his colleagues.
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD. 8l
Mr. John A. Longden is the junior member of the
Board. Joining the Society in 1901, he has been a candi-
date for the honour several times, but it was not until
1912 that he was successful. To our members at the
General Meetings he is well known in debate, and in trade
union circles, where he has had a longer experience, he is
stiU better known. Strong and courageous in his
convictions Mr. Longden has the reputation of having
fought and suffered for his trade union principles. He
has earnest belief that every Co-operator should be a
trade unionist and every trade unionist a Co-operator.
Although young in experience on the Board, Mr. Longden
has had the honour to be placed on the Special Committee
supervising the erection of the new Central Premises.
Mr. Thomas Walton, General Manager. — It was on
September 23rd, 1878, that Mr. Walton entered the
Society's service, being at that time a young man of
twenty-seven years of age. His early career had
been mainly occupied in assisting 'his father in
his work as a market gardener, and in later years a
portion of his time had been spent as a miner. To the
position of a Grocery Manager is a wide change, but prior
to taking up his position with the Society he had some
little experience of the grocery business In private
employment. An excellent character was, perhaps, Mr.
Walton's best recommendation, for his experience was
indeed small; but, notwithstanding the drawbacks, the
Committee had confidence in their choice. With but little
education, he determined to add to it, and began to study
those subjects which were to be valuable to him in his
work.
Mr. Walton's management from the beginning was
successful. With a geniality of disposition, untiring
energy, and an enthusiasm in the work, the confidence of
the Committee was shared by the members. The spirit
which he put into his work found emulation in those
employees who had the privilege of working side by side
with him, and the earnestness of early work no doubt
laid the foundation of future prosperity. Mr. Walton
82 CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
has always shown great interest in the welfare of the
employees, and the courtesy with which he met them
gained their respect and esteem. On the Society's
twenty-first anniversary Mr. Walton was presented
by the Managers and employees with a gold watch and
chain as a memento of their appreciation and goodwill,
and some little time later the Managers, in the same
good spirit, recognised his worth by presenting him with
a painting of himself in oils.
Mr. William Rose, F.C.I.S., the Secretary of the
Society, was appointed on November 4th, 1888, and in the
month of November of the present year (1913) will have
completed twenty-five years' service. Mr. Rose was the
Society's first permanent Secretary, being appointed when
a young man of t^¥enty-four to that position on the retire-
ment of Mr. Fletcher. Amongst the qualifications and
diplomas he possesses are the advanced certificates of the
Royal Society of Arts in bookkeeping and commercial
law, and he is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of
Secretaries. In 1909 he was appointed public auditor
under the Industrial and Provident and the Friendly
Societies Acts, and has the honour of being on the Council
of the Co-operative Secretaries' Association.
Mr. William Wagg (1874 to 1900). — To Mr. William
Wagg belongs the distinguished honour of being not
only a pioneer, but, indeed, one of the founders.
To Mr. Wagg the Society owes a great tribute of
recognition for his self-sacrificing, patient, and per-
severing labours in its earliest years. Of his comrade-
ship and help it is a pleasure to associate him with
the best traditions. Pages might be written of the
multifarious duties and responsibiUties entrusted to him,
but space prevents more than a tribute to the high respect
and confidence in which he was held by his comrades.
With the earliest records of the Society before the writer,
and a personal knowledge of him for twenty-five years,
it can unhesitatingly be said that Mr. ^^'agg's untiring
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD. 83
interest and devotion have contributed in no small degree
to the Society's prosperity.
Mr. Wagg was elected on the first Committee ot Man-
agement in the year 1874, and on the retirement of Mr.
Frank Smyth a year later was elected President. At the
end of his term of office he was elected on the Committee,
having resigned the Presidency. Once more, in 1877, he
was elected to the Presidential chair, and so continued
until the year 1881.
At this time Mr. Chesterman, who had acted as
Treasurer since the formation of the Society, left Sheffield,
and at the Annual Meeting in 1881 Mr. Wagg was unani-
mously elected to the honourable position of Treasurer.
For fifteen years consecutively he was elected without
opposition, always discharging his duties faithfully and
efficiently. At this time the Society had grown to such
proportions that other arrangements for collecting and
banking the cash were deemed advisable, and the office
of Treasurer was practically abolished. The Committee
and members alike were very reluctant to be without Mr.
Wagg's valuable help and experience, and he was induced
to stand for election on the Board. Elected at the top
of the poll, he continued in office for a period of four years,
thus completing twenty-four years' service distinguished
by faithful, conscientious, and valuable work. To pilot
a ship safe in harbour is an act of comparative comfort;
to stand by a sinking ship requires courage and deter-
mination not possessed by everyone. Yet Mr. Wagg was
of the unfaltering type, determined to see the Society
through all the perils by which it was menaced. On his
retirement in 1900 the members voted Mr. Wagg the sum
of £20, in consideration of his long and faithful service.
In closing this page, a tribute of appreciation of Mrs.
Wagg's interest, help, and encouragement in the Society's
early struggles is a reward too small, yet a pleasure to
acknowledge.
Mr. William Roome. — ^We are delighted to bear
testimony to the old pioneers who did good and useful
work in the Society's early history. Mr. Roome was not
84 CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
the least of these. Joining the Society at the beginning,
he was one of the forty-eight who formed the Society, and
was elected on the first Management Committee in 1874.
He served altogether twenty years, resigning in i8g6.
His early work was practical and disinterested, and his
ready wiUingness to serve the Society's interests in what-
ever capacity he could render the best service is but a
slight tribute to his excellent worth. His devotion and
earnestness to help forward progress during his long
career won the high respect and esteem of his colleagues
on the Board, and on his resignation they passed a resolu-
tion of high appreciation of his services, with a strong
recommendation to recognise his labours in a suitable
manner. The response of the members was unanimous,
and a presentation was made to him, on July 14th, 1896,
of a marble timepiece and a pair of bronzes in recognition
of his valued service.
Mr. Roome has been long retired to a well-earned rest,
and the weight of years bears heavy upon him, but his
interest is still with the Society he has helped to build. It
is due to him, on the day of jubilation, that faithful
labours are not forgotten.
Mr. E. T. Allison. — Another of the Society's stalwarts
in our history was Mr. E. T. Allison. His seventeen years
service as a member of Committee, Secretary, and
President is not merely marking time, but carries with it
a record of character, influence, resolution, and, above all,
personal sacrifice.
Elected in 1876, when the Society was threatened with
failure, when gratuitous service was wanted and difficult
to find, Mr. Allison came on the Board and did \'aluable
work. Nothing is more convincing of disinterested
service than Committee work " for nothing " at the end of
a day's exhausting toil; but his convictions were strong
and his willingness great to help the movement he
believed in. After serving on the Committee for one year
he was appointed Secretary, and acted in this capacity
for four years.
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD. 85
On the retirement of Mr. Wagg in 1881 Mr. Allison was
elected President of the Society, and this position of
honour he held for eleven years without opposition, up to
the time of his resignation. The Society made wonderful
progress during his presidency, and his own sound judg-
ment and great ability contributed to it in no small degree.
His retirement through pressure of business was regarded
as a great loss to the Society, and the Committee, in a
resolution expressing " their high opinion of his business
capacity and untiring energy in the interests of the
Society for seventeen years," accepted his resignation
with regret. In a similar manner the members expressed
their great appreciation of his services, accompanied by a
gift of £20.
Mr. Allison passed away some years ago. Before the
close of his life he was able " to drink out of his own
cistern and eat his own sweet bread " by patience,
perseverance, and great industry. His character and
influence still survive, and the reflex of it has passed to
other lives who deem themselves the better for it.
Mr. A. F. Fletcher (Secretary, Committee-man, and
President). — Mr. Fletcher was quite a young man when
the Society started business, yet his name is entered
in the Society's register as one of the forty-eight who
originally formed the Society. It was not until 1881
that Mr. Fletcher took any official part in the Society's
affairs, and he was then appointed Secretary, doing the
work in spare time. There is no lack of evidence of Mr.
Fletcher's worth. The minute books and books of
account bear ample witness to thoroughness, conscientious
detail, and the hall-mark of excellence which characterised
his secretarial work. In 1888 the Society grew very
rapidly, and, with increasing work and responsibility of
other duties, he felt he could no longer continue. Under
these circumstances he resigned, much to the regret of the
Committee and members. To mark their appreciation of
his services, the members' meeting presented him with a
marble clock and bronzes.
86 CO-OPEKATION IN SHEFFIELD.
After three years' well-earned rest he was again in
harness, being elected on the Committee of Management.
His distinguished ability was soon manifest, and, after
serving a little over a year on the Committee, he was
elected, in 1892, on the retirement of Mr. Alhson, to the
presidential chair, which he ably and honourably filled
without opposition for ten years. The period of his
service as President was marked with valuable adminis-
trative work, and his chairmanship with that dignity,
fairness, and judgment which commanded the high respect
of his colleagues and the members alike. When, much to
the regret of the members, he retired, those services so
much appreciated were marked in a good, practical way
by presenting him with a cheque for £100.
In a book of this kind we feel that it is due to those
who have rendered good and faithful service to the Society
to broadly acknowledge it. There are many who have
given devoted and distinguished service of which a mere
passing acknowledgment is a reward too small, yet a
pleasure to give. Mr. J. B. Howard is one of this number ;
Mr. W. B. Ambler, Mr. F. G. Ardron, Mr. A. Castle, Mr.
S. Kay, Mr. H. D. Shaw, Mr. J. J. Webster, Mr. R. B.
Wigfull, and Mr. E. H. Hibberd are others. The best
reward is the consciousness of having done good and
useful work of a congenial character for the benefit of
those who need it, and who have been the better for it.
Present Departmental and Branch Managers.
Drapevv, Millinery, and Dressmaking : Mr. J. Collin.
Boot and Boot Repairing : Mr. J. R. Cruise.
Bespoke and Ready-made Clothing : Mr. H. Marsh.-vll.
Furnishing : Mr. T. W. Branson.
Butchering : Mr. C. Meakin.
Bakery : Mr. W. R. Eastwood.
Traffic and Warehouse : Mr. F. J. Ward.
Grocery Branch Managers :
Mr. N. Bingham.
J. W. Bratley.
T. WiNGFIELD.
W. C. Smith.
F. Mason.
D. Henderson.
W. G. Wright.
J. Hibberd.
T. Downing.
A. Cl.apham.
G. Dungworth.
A. Richardson.
Mr. W. B. Richardson.
H. Green.
H. Brawn.
H. Dennis.
W. Farnell.
A, Hill.
A. MOSLEY.
G. Wood.
A. Briddon.
F. Taylor.
J. Parnham.
''"'^^IS.^-^S^'
The Site of the Society's New
Central Premises.
IN giving a historj? of our Society, and particularlj' of
that concerning the vicinity and site of our new
Central Premises, it may be of some interest to
mention the ^'ast changes which have taken place in recent
years. For the fohowing description I am indebted to
'Mr. J. Baggalej', a member of tlie Board, who was born
quite near to the Arcade. He states: "That about 1850
Cemetery Road was formed. Opposite our present
buildings stood a farmliouse, whiclr is now the Royal Oak
public-house. Where the bank stands at the corner was a
house with a triangular yard, occupied by a wheelwright,
where people from the country put in for repairs. Just
where the lamp stands at the corner of Ecclesall and
Cemetery Roads was a post with outstretched arms,
indicating that to Baslow it was eleven miles. The house
at the corner was afterwards used by Mr. W. H. Haigh
for a cab office, and the yard as a stand.
Many people have no idea that it was due to the efforts
of Mr. G. Wostenholme, of cutlery fame, and Mr. Thomas
Stead, that the beautiful avenue of trees on the Nether
Edge Road was planted. What a splendid appearance
this site had then ! Close by was the Horse Dj?ke, the
delight of country drivers, through which beasts and
sheep traversed. The firm of Messrs. T. Newbould and
Sons stood in the centre of a field, the boundary wall being
from the gate next to the Woodman Inn, up Ecclesall
Road and Clarence Street, taking a sharp turn to the
w
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o
w
o
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h
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o
a
o
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w
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w
a
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a
h
z
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u
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
91
right. The Woodman Inn was then a place of great
interest, especially at Little Sheffield Feast, when a greasy
pole was erected for the benefit of those willing to try
climbing the pole for the sake of the leg of mutton on the
top. What a vast change in the Sheffield Moor to-day !"
The first mention of Central Premises of which there is
written record goes back a very long time. In 1895 —
eighteen years ago — the question was discussed at the
members' General Meeting, and a resolution, moved by
The Corner of Ecclesall Road (on right), and Cemetery Road (on left),
JUST BELOW THE ArCADE. REPRODUCED FROM A PhOTO TAKEN ABOUT 1870.
Mr. E. Snelgrove, was carried " that this meeting in-
structs the Committee to consider the establishing of a
central drapery establishment in some easily accessible
situation."
In a report presented at the following meeting the
Committee, whilst expressing themselves favourably to
the proposal, " were of the opinion that the time was not
suitable."
Extensions were made at Napier Street with a view of
doing an increased turnover, but the question of centrally
situated premises was a dead letter, and took no practical
form until eight years later. The Committee had long
92 CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
made up their minds that Napier Street was out of the
question to achieve anything great in the dry goods
departments, but the comparatively small turnover in
those departments was not sufficiently encouraging to
a speedy central scheme involving large capital expendi-
ture. The first practical step towards carrying out the
idea of Central Premises was the purchase in 1903 of
that portion of property in both Ecclesall and Cemetery
Roads which stood the farthest from the Moor. The
property, which was freehold, comprised baths, eating-
house, saleshops, iron foundry, and a blacksmith's shop.
The eating-house, at one time a " Merrie England "
venture for providing cheap meals, and the cheap slipper
bath, were eventually altered into a Boot Department.
The whole site, containing 1,533 square yards, was
bought for £3,300, and the Committee of that time
felt convinced that a good bargain had been made. With
the property paying 8 per cent, and a lease of some portion
of the premises having three years to nm before its
expiration, it was deemed advisable to let things take
their course.
Changes on the Board of Management naturally bring
differential views, and the opinion of the Committee of
1903 who had purchased the property as being a very
desirable site for Central Premises differed very materially
from the Committee of 1907, who held contrary opinions
(as a majority), and who, so to speak, had the responsi-
bility of carrying out the scheme. Several times the
question of proceeding with the development of the site
was up for discussion without decision, and matters were
about at a deadlock. In February, 1908, an inquiry if
the property was for sale, and the price, brought a definite
vote on the matter. By a vote of five against three, with
a neutral vote, and one member of the Committee absent,
it was decided " to entertain the selKng of the land."
Whether the price asked for it was too high for the parties
we cannot say ; at any rate, matters did not get beyond
the inquiry stage, and no further attempt was made to
sell. In December there was a change of feeling on the
Board, and a majority resolution was passed " that we
rai^ji'm-— . .- .
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD. 95
proceed to get out plans and specifications and estimates
for Central Premises," but before building operations
were commenced it was definitely understood that the
whole question should be submitted to the General Meet-
ing. Before this could be done, however, the property
adjoining came into the market, and a resolution to pur-
chase it for a sum not exceeding £4,000 was carried.
Subsequently the purchase was made for £300 less, at the
figure of £3,700. The feeling was strong that, with the
adjoining property added to that already purchased, a
grand Central Store could be erected which would meet
the members' requirements.
This property, which was also freehold, contained an
area of 823 square yards " or thereabouts " (using a very
familiar legal phrase), consisting of tenanted property on
both the Ecclesall Roid and Cemetery Road side. There
was the carpet-beating premises and the old-established
bellows business on the Ecclesall Road side, and the
saleshops right down to the river wall on the Cemetery
Road side. This additional purchase added substantially
to the value of our adjoining land, and made possible a
greater extension scheme than had hitherto been thought
possible.
At the March Quarterly Meeting of 1910 matters were
sufficiently ripe to bring before the members, and informa-
tion was given that the Committee had purchased
additional property with a view of extending the site
for new Central Premises. Mr. Paterson, the Society's
architect, attended with large plans of the proposed
buildings, giving details respecting the area and con-
struction of the various departments and offices.
A resolution by the meeting " that the Committee's
action be confirmed " was carried. Property bought is
always subject to the obligations of the vendor, and a
three years' lease of the carpet-beating premises stood in
the way of immediate building operations. However,
whilst the work of excavation was proceeding arrange-
ments were made for the surrender of the lease for a
consideration, and in March, igii, the removal of the old
buildings from the site was commenced on the Cemetery
96 CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
■Road side. To follow the building in course of erection
is a detail of little value. The length of time taken to
complete the work has exceeded expectations by more
than twelve months. From the time of signing the
contract it was anticipated that a finish would be made
in eighteen months. Delay in the delivery of steel con-
structional work in the early stages of the work caused
great annoyance. Some delay may be due to the railway
strike, to the coal strike, and to other matters, but the
early portion of the work referred to has been responsible
for much loss of valuable time.
The total area of the site which the new Central
Premises cover is 2,000 superficial yards, with a 125 feet
frontage to Ecclesall Road and 170 feet in Cemetery Road,
but a portion on the Cemetery Road side from the present
building down to the river wall is being left for future
extensions.
New Central Premises.
Between the two roads above named there is an
arcade 15 feet wide and 140 feet long, with a bend in the
centre, which is marked by a rotunda or circular hall. On
the street frontages, on both sides of the arcade and round
the circular hall, the various departments are grouped,
viz., drapery, millinery, dressmaking, clothing, outfitting,
boots, furniture, grocery and provisions, confectionery,
fruit, &c., tobacco, &c., as well as the Manageir's offices.
From the central hall there are two staircases of
ample width, symmetricaUy planned, leading to a spacious
landing, from which a gallery six feet wide is carried all
round the arcade. Opening on this gallery are additional
departments devoted to millinery, drapery, clothing, and
furniture, the two latter being on the Cemetery Road
frontage, and provided with large plate-glass windows, so
that the stock will be well seen from the street. These
departments also communicate directly with similar
departments on the ground floor by means of separate
internal staircases. On the Ecclesall Road frontage, and
opening on the gallery, is a cafe, 60 feet by 25 feet, for the
use of the members.
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
99
One of the special features of the scheme is that the
Society's offices are placed here instead of in Napier Street,
where the accommodation has for some time past been
quite inadequate to the business transacted. The offices
are on the first floor, and the suite opens' directly on the
gaUery before mentioned. A waiting haU, 40 feet long,
is first entered, and round this are grouped the general
Old Hokse D\kk Clilvert, Ecclesale Road, o\er which a tortion of thk
New Central Premises are Erected. From a Photo taken when the
Site was eeing cleared.
office (30 feet by 20 feet), Boardroom (40 feet bj' 20 feet),
two Committee-rooms, Secretary's room, and strong room.
On the second floor, and approached by subsidiary
staircases, there is an additional cafe of the same dimen-
sions as the one on the first floor, and over this is a smaller
cafe for the use of the staff, with the kitchen and service
room adjoining. On the Cemetery Road front are
caretakers' apartments, and in the central portion of the
building, and also on the third floor in the roof facing
Cemetery Road, are workrooms for dressmaking, clothing,
boots, &c., as well as storerooms.
100 CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
Complete lavatory accommodation is provided for the
members and staff, with hot and cold water.
In the basement, between Cemetery Road and the
river, extensive stores are provided for furniture, and on
the Ecclesall Road front are cellars for cold storage
purposes.
The building on the road frontages is three storeys
high, with lofty roofs over fully utilised. The fronts are
carried out in coloured and white " Marmo," and the
same material is largely employed in the arcade.
Between the main building on the Ecclesall Road
frontage and the bank premises a Butchers' Department
has been erected. This contains a shop of 38 feet
frontage, and in the rear are provided apartments for
cutting meat. Access is obtained from this apartment to
the cold storage cellar under, where a refrigerator is
installed.
The buildings generally are of fire-resisting character,
and steel enters largely into the construction, columns and
other obstructions being dispensed with as far as possible.
The maximum of light is provided everywhere, and the
arcade and circular hall are roofed over with glass. The
partitions between the various departments, which are of
canary or mahogany, are glazed as far as possible. The
floors of the arcade and the shop premises generally' are
finished with terrazo or composition of various tints,
and glazed tiles are largely used for lining the walls. A
central system of heating is installed, and the ventilation
has been thoroughly considered.
The Committee have for a long time been desirous of
providing for the use of the members of the Society
Central Premises which will compare favourably with any
which have been erected in other cities, and in the plans
which have been prepared it is believed that the various
departments are so arranged that the maximum of con-
\'enience has been obtained, while the building will
contain some features which are more or less new to
Sheffield.
It should be noted that the whole of the bed of the
Porter Brook, whether covered by the new premises or
CO-OPEKATION IN SHEFFIELD.
105
adjacent to them, has been reconstructed with a concrete
and blue brick invert and the river walls rebuilt, so that a
clean and sanitary passage is obtained for the stream.
The contract for the general work has been in the
hands of Messrs. T. Wilkinson and Sons, of Guernsey
Road, and the steel construction has been carried out by
Messrs. Lambourne and Co. Limited, Manchester. The
" Marmo " facings — a kind of terra-cotta resembling
marble — have been executed by the Leeds Fireclay Co.
Limited. The main contract for shop iittings, which are
now being fixed, is in the hands of Messrs. Parnall and
^ons, of Bristol, and others ai'e being made by Messrs.
Tajdor Bros. Limited, of Sheffield.
The total cost of the land, buildings, fixtures, and
fittings wiU amount to about £40,000. The building has
been designed and carried out under the superintendence
of Mr. H.' L. Paterson, A.R.LB.A., of Sheffield, with Mr.
John Young as clerk of works.
Mr. H. L. Patekson,
A.R.l.U.A.
I06 CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
THE FIRST REPORT AND BALANCE SHEET,
For the Quarter ending in June, 1874.
THE ECCLESALL
INDUSTRIAL AND PROVIDENT SOCIETY LIMITED
121, Napier Street.
President : Mr, F. Smyth.
Manager : Mr. J. G. Clements. Secretary : Mr. D. Brown.
Treasurer : Mr, E, B. Chesterman.
Auditors: Mr. J. Ward and Mr. H. Bourne.
Committee :
Mr. W. Roome. Mr. R. Savage.
,, W, Wagg. ,, B. Stacey.
,, C. WoRTLEY, ,, D, Green.
COMMITTEE'S REPORT,
Fellow-Members,
The Committee, in presenting their first Quarterly Report,
have much pleasure in congratulating you upon the success of
your new venture. The dividend, is. in the £ on members'
purchases and 6d. in the £ on non-members' purchases, is more
than we expected being able to declare. Having surmounted the
first difficulties, united effort only is necessary to overcome the rest,
.An increase of the capital of the Society will strengthen it and
benefit the shareholders. An extension of the business of the
Society will reduce the rate of expenses and raise the rate of profit,
and additions to the number of members will enlarge the sphere of
its usefulness. These are the objects we ought to seek, and for
which we should energetically co-operate.
Trusting to your .individual exertions for the common -good.
We are, yours respectfully,
THE COMMITTEE.
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
Balance Sheet, June, 1874.
107
Dr.
CASH ACCOUNT.
i s. d.
To Cash for Goods Sold.... 392 16 11?.-
,, Entrance Fees 3 3 9 ■
„ Contributions 4.1. 4 2
,, Loans 68 6 o
£508 10 lol
By Casli Paid for Goods ,.
,, Carriage
„ Wages
,, Secretary's Salary —
,, Rent, Rates, & Taxes.
„ Printing, Advertising,
and Books
,, Incidental Expenses. .
„ Fixed and Worlcing
Stock
„ Wholesale-
Share Contributions.
£ s.
428 3
5 10
14 II
3 2 6
2 18 lij
o 14 6^
36 16 3
050
,, Cash Balance 14 5 9
£508 10 loh
CAPITAL ACCOUNT
To Mfoibei's' Claims
,, Interest on Members'
Claims
„ Loans & Interest Due,
,, Balance, Piofit
£
s. d.
4+
4 ^
10 4
68
8 II
12
17 2
£126
7
By Stock of Goods 72 3
Fixtures
Books
Wholesale —
Share Capital
Balance, Cash in hand
36 16
I 9
£126 o 7
PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT
£ s. d.
To Divi. on Members' Pur-
chases, £150. los., at
IS. in the £ 7 10 6
„ Divi. on Non-members'
Purch'ses, £104.105.,
at 6d. in the £ . . . . 2 12 3
,, Balance 214 5
By Balance ,
£ s. d.
12 17 2
tl2 17
io8
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
The Last
In
s, d.
II II
6 2
LIABILIT1|.:S. ^- 3 ^, ^.
To Members' Claims 114349
,, Interest due -7V>
,, Owing for Goods 577 (> id
,, ,, Expenses... y^y 2 10
I.5.U 9 «
,, Less Amount paid in advance ... 33S 17 (>
995
,, Clothing, Coal, &c., Clubs 7474 iS o
,, Penny Bank — Capital and In-
terest 5302 I o
127
,, Wholesale Society House Build-
ing Mortgages 815
,, Educational Account 2()
Reserves —
,, Reserve Fund O123 10 11
,, Guarantee Insurance Fund 834 7 8
,, Plate Glass Fund S4 lO 4
,, Employers' Liability Fund 321 17 8
,, Benevolent Fund 93 it) (>
,, Contingency Fund 73" o o
S20S 9 I
Balances —
,, Balance Prolit not Appropriated
last Half Year 173 2 3
,, Balance Disposable, as per Profit
and Loss Account i(>(i3q 14 8J
ii'Si- III III
19 o
o o
6 ()
iM'^74^
Not many people, as a rule, find much interest in
columns of figures, except, perhaps, those who come into
contact with them in the course of their daily work or
study. It does not, howe^•er, need any very special
ability to understand our balance sheet, and we feel that
the following will prove to be of interest.
Properly understood, what is called a " balance
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD. lOg
Balance Sheet.
Brief.
ASSETS. ^ ^ d. £ s. d.
By Stock of Goods 34530 13 o
,, Accounts Owing by Members ... 883 14 g
„ „ ,, Hire Purchase . 151 3 5
1034 18 2
,, Land and Buildings, Original
Cost 63243 18 4
,, 1.655 Allowed for Depreciation ... 24944 17 11
38299 o 5
„ Additions this Half Year 7380 18 7
45679 19 o
,, Fixed Stock, Horses, &c 6234 12 o
,, Investments —
Shares 11039 10 7
Loans 18324 7 5
Mortgages 8837 i 5
38200 19 5
,, Income Ta;c to be Reclaimed ... 14 9 9
,, Rents Due 61 17 10
,, Sundry Debtors 8 10 4
,, Cash in Bank — C.W.S. Ltd 29697 17 9
,, ,, London City and
Midland 648 11 7
30346 9 4
,, Cash in hand 628 12 ill
£i5<i74^ I 9*
sheet " is, perhaps, more interesting than many people
imagine. It is more than a mere column of figures on two
sides, which appear as though they had been made to tally.
Just for a moment let us examine the " Members' Claims "
in last half year's balance sheet, see what it represents,
and how it is employed.
In the first place, it is the members' money — the
110 CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
result of, in many instances, sa\'ings which they might
never have possessed except through the Stores. In
many a case it is a " nest egg," just put by for a rainy day.
It amounts to a lot of money in the total, but it would be
much more if ever}- member let it accumulate. Last half
year it amounted to £114,349; but where is it ? some may
ask. Is it all in the bank ? Or is it where it can easily
be got at ? And if somebody else has got it, what are they
doing with it ? Let us see if we can make it plain to
everj-body.
If we pass from what the profession term the " debit
side " to the " credit side," or, in simple language, look
from the left to the right side of the page, we shall begin
to get at it.
Even in accounts the right side is the best side. The
first asset we notice is the stock of goods, amounting to
over £34,530; but, of course, with twenty-one Grocery
Branches, nine Boot and Drapery Departments, also
Butchering Departments, and with over 17,000 members
to cater for, we must not only have a great stock, but it
must be thoroughly up to date, and so it is.
Take the next " asset " in order, which is land and
buildings, standing at £45,679. These premises belong
to the members, " lock, stock, and barrel," for the
carrying on of their business, which is absolutely necessarv
if it is to be done satisfactorily.
Just underneath the figure for land and buildings,
stated at £63,243. i8s. 4d., some very striking figures not
well understood, but important all the same, are the
words " Less allowed for depreciation, £24,944. 17s. iid."
Whether we shall succeed in making the meaning of this
clear we are not sure about; £24,944 is a lot of money to
take from profits in the expectation that at some day in
the far-away distant future your premises will wear out,
or, at any rate, be out of date, but that is exactly the
object of depreciation. When that day arri-\'es, by
making good pro\-ision for the future by depreciation, we
shaU have put by sufficient profit to enable those coming
after to commence with a clean slate — in fact, there is little
doubt that posteritj- will have a \"ery handsome surplus.
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD. Ill
Let US pass o\'er " Fixed and Working Stock," which
is fairly well understood, only stopping by the way to
explain that in the delivery of goods we have thirty-five
horses, two motor vehicles, and thirty drays and carts,
with a lot of equipment.
Coming to investments on shares, loans, and mort-
gages, we notice a substantial sum of money amounting
to £38,200, which somebody else is using. Let us see if
you, as members, approve of it being used as it is being
used. Take shares and loans, which are invested in Co-
operative Societies to enable goods to be bought by the
\Vholesale Society in the cheapest world's market, and
right at the source of supply; in productive works
employing thousands of hands making Co-operative
goods for Co-operative people. We believe you will say,
" You can't do better." What you want is to see that
those who work for you at any rate have decent wages,
and that they have reasonable hours for their labour, and
in Co-operative factories you get it.
The next thing we come to is " Mortgages." Surely
it is a healthy spirit and ambition to live in your own
house. Many people understand that a " monkey " on
tlie property means a mortgage, but it makes matters
much better to have it explained. In our case it means
that the Society has assisted many members to build or
purchase their own houses who had a bit of money to start
with, and you will heartily agree that so long as the
security is right — and it is — it is a useful work.
With cash at the bank of £30,346. 9s. 4d. you will at
once say there is plenty to go on with, and generally the
Society's position is exceedingly prosperous.
This hardly finishes the explanation, because we have
still the " reserves " to deal with, which, if you look on
the left-hand side, you will see amount to £8,208. gs. id.
We have earlier on talked about safeguards, and this is
what it means. In other words, we might have paid away
more in profits to members, but you will certainly agree
that it is wise and proper to put by a " nest egg," which is
what really a reserve fund is.
112 CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
Interesting Figures and Facts.
Ecclesall Society established, 1874.
Amalgamation with Sheffield Society, 1907.
The present membership of the Society is 17,700.
The Society's sales for the last year amounted to
£344.199-
An average of 55,000 purchases is made by members
weekly at the Stores.
The members' share capital stands at £114,349.
We employ 440 persons and pay £480 per week in
wages.
The total cost of the Society's property is £70,624,
which has been depreciated by the sum of £24,944.
The dividend and interest paid to members in 1912
amounted to £43,326.
The cost of the new Central Premises, including land,
buildings, and fittings is about £40,000.
We have thirty-five horses and thirty-six vehicles,
employed mainly in the delivery of goods to members.
We have two motors for rapid transit of goods from
warehouse to Branches.
We have twenty-four places of business and fifty-
four departments.
The Penny Bank has 2,558 depositors, and £5,302 is
standing to their credit.
The Society has safeguarded its position by the
magnificent depreciation of its property, amounting to
£24,944, equal to 35 '3 per cent on the original cost.
The 3id. Club has 3,883 members, and the Insurance
Section for payment of sickness benefit 1,240.
Past and Present Officers.
PRESIDENTS.
F. Smyth elected June, 1874.
W. W.^GG April 6th, 1875.
J. B.\RLow ,, April nth, 1876.
W. Wagg ,, .'\pril 3rd, 1877.
E.T.Allison ,, March 28th, 1881.
A. F. Fletcher „ October nth, 1892
F. W. Sandford „ March 6th, 1902.
AUDITORS.
J. Ward and H. Bourne elected June 7th, 1874.
(J. Ward retired, leaving only H. Bourne.)
T. L. Green elected September 26th, 1S76.
James Smith ,, March 26th, 1878.
E. HiBBERD , October Kith, 1883.
J. J, Webster ,, January 13th, 1SS4.
J. W. Jolly ,, .April 14th, 1891.
A. H. Wright ,, April nth, 1899.
Wm. Bashforth ,, Sept., 1904 (protein).
\Km, Bashforth ,, .Xpril nth, 1905.
Beard and Bashforth ,, June I3lh, 1911.
H
114
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD,
COMMITTEE,
W. RooME ,..olocte(
W. Wagg „
C. W. WORTLEY ,
R. Savage ,
B. Stagey ^ ,
D. Green ,, ,
G. H. Wright
J. Selwood ,,
W. Wagg ,,
F. W. Sandford ,,
E. T, Allison ,,
J. Mettam ,
H, Cocker „
W. RooME ,,
J. Firth ,,
J- JOBY ,,
T. Thorpe ,,
R. Smith ,,
C. Slinn „
A. H. Hewitt ,,
F. Moore „
S. Sandford ,,
W. Walton „
H. Bourne „
J. W. Yates „
J. Spencer ,
A. F. Fletcher „
J. J. Webster ,,
W. Roome „
C. R. Morton ,.
F. G. Ardron „
S. Kay ,,
H. Bourne ,,
W. Wagg ,,
T. Courtnall ,,
F. Barnes ,,
S. J. Wilson ,
T. J. W. Siddall
A. Castle ,,
J. Baggaley „
J. Christie ,,
1 June; 1874.
Jun;, 1874.
Juno, 1874.
June, 1874.
Juns, 1874.
Jun2, 1874.
April 6th, 1S75.
April 6th, 1S75.
April nth, 1871..
April nth, 1S76.
April nth, 1876.
April nth, 1876.
September 26th, 1871
April 3rd, 1877.
April 3rd, 1877.
April 3rcl, 1877.
June 26th, 1877.
March 26tli, i87>s.
March 26th, 1878.
March 26th, 1878.
December 27th, 1878
March 30th, 1880.
July 5th, 1881.
April 17th, 1883.
April 13th, 1886.
April 13th, 1886.
April 14th, 1 89 1.
April 14th, 1891.
April 12th, 1S92.
April 12th, 1892.
April nth, 1893.
April nth, 1S93.
April gth, 1893.
March 4th, iS.y..
j\larch 4th, iX()i,.
April nth, 189).
April nth, 1S99.
April nth, 1899.
Ajiril lolh, 1900.
April loth, 1 9c in,
,\])ril 9th, Kioi .
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
115
Committee — continued.
B. WiGFULL elected April 8th, 1902.
April 14th, 1903.
April 12th, 1904.
April nth, 1905,
April loth, 1906.
April loth, 1906.
June nth, 1907.
June nth, 1907,
June 2nfl, 1908.
June 8th, 1909.
June 8th, 1909.
June 14th, 1910.
June nth, 1912.
June nth, 1912.
December 3rcl, 19
R.
W. B. Ambler ....
J. B. Howard ....
E. HiBBERD
W. Buckley
U. Swift
H. D. Shaw
A. Laing
G. .\. Hall
J. Penny
U. Swift
J. Christie
J, A. LONGDEN ...
Mrs. Pryce-Jones
S. J. Wilson
ii6
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
Progress of the Society since
First Year
Second Year
Third Year
Fourth Year
Fifth Year
Sixth Year
Seventh Year
Eighth Year
Ninth Year
Tenth Year
Eleventh Year
Twelfth Year
Thirteenth Year
Fourteenth Year
Fifteenth Year
Sixteenth Year
Seventeenth Year
Eighteenth Year
Nineteenth Year
Twentieth Year
Twenty-first Year
Twenty-second Year
Twenty-third Year
Twenty-fourth Year
Twenty-fifth Year
Twenty-sixth Year
Twenty-seventh Year
Twenty-eighth Year
Twenty-ninth Year
Thirtieth Year
Thirty-first Year (14 months)....
Thirty-second Year (15 months)
t Thirty-tliird Year
Thirty-fourtli Year (53 weeks) .
Thirty-fifth Year
Thirty-sixth Year
Thirty-seventh Year
Thirty-eighth Year
Thirty-ninth Year (53 weeks) . . .
(To July 31st, 1913)
Members.
86
121
205
301
440
592
695
816
872
968
1194
1316
1530
1973
2375
2963
3971
5044
6230
6997
7319
7034
7267
8113
9202
9820
9951
10234
11647
12258
12357
13050
14409
16132
17588
Share Capital.
i
105
166
135
no
136
203
312
447
738
958
1302
1764
2114
2543
3158
3790
4432
5847
7542
9351
12513
16355
22782
29621
35916
43926
50936
57828
64796
71440
60590
58575
66630
79546
80833
85650
94229
103217
114349
s. d.
16 5
II 10
16 ii|
16 ii|
18 7
5h
li
4
5
9
7
2
15 10
7 9
17 9
9 6*
19 8
12 10
19 7
7 4
17
9
9 4
o 7
o 8
7 3
12 o
19 10
7 6
16 II
9
/
2
14
6 10
19 8
17 I
13 2
3 I
on
II II
I Amalgamation with Sheffield Society
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
117
the Commencement. — Established i874.
Business Done.
Net Floats
Average
Dividend.
Reserve
Fund.
£ s. d.
I s.
d.
s. d.
I
1980
61 18
8
I oi
2999 15
86 7
5*
II
2013 18 8
65 16
5
8
1796 12 II
52 9
6
10
1854 2 lOj
73 10
10
I
2548 17
207 8
7^
I 9l
24
3920 14 II
391 5
Hi
2
38
5242 9
635 4
10
2
45
7414 18 10
1003 15
9|
2
75
8918 5 ij
1420 15
2
2
150
10345 9
1631 2
5
2
300
I 1298 2 2|
1858 8
ll
2
250
11666 4 8
1801 3
3
2
300
13360 I 6|
2096 6
5i
2
375
16042 8 10
2521 10
II J
2
450
17608 9 5i
2596 3
I
2
250
22705 13 iiA
3166 5
4
2
450
31557 18 4"
4096 7
8
2
550
39320 8 II
5308 10
7
2
500
48107 II III
7038 18
oi
2
1000
62316 8 i'
9166 7
8i
2
1200
80880 2 5
12000 12
loi
2 I
1500
102473 9 9
16585 3
H
2 3
1550
137614 7 9i
18179 I
8
2 4
2200
157546 19 ij
18690 5
10
2 4
2300
163852 II ii|
20267 12
II
2 3i
2159
167303 I II
20171 10
9i
2 4
2411
179716 4 i|
23785 7
li
2 4
2495
206175 10 7
24796 17
7
2 4
2738
216738 31-
27072 3
9
2 4
3323
250222 19 loj
29869 6
10
2 4
3473
249266 I oJ
30333 2
6
2 2i
3555
218990 10 6
28216 17
oJ
2 4
3685
234234 4 II
25322 7
2
2 2
4697
223002 6 loj
23631 8
7i
2 I
4567
236486 8 9
26186 7
5
2 3
5017
266429 19 7J
31754 8
Si
2 3
53"
307871 6 2
35931 5
I
2 3
5742
344199 12
37558 8
loi
2 3
6123
4066022 9
495632 5
4|-
Educational Work.
o
NE of the mo3t remarkable signs of the times is
the great change which is taking place in social
ideals. It is being advocated as logical that
individual and selfish interests are insignificant when
compared with those of the community, and that every-
thing must be subservient to the genuine needs of the
people.
So, hi a smaller scale, the utility of an Educational
Committee in its relationship to a large distributive
Society may be safely applied. The two must be inter-
mingled and the harmony unquestioned, and though the
personalitj' of the Committees maj? change with the times
the ideals that are set must be of a high order and ever of
upward tendency.
The first Educational Committee had its origin in a
recommendation dated July nth, 1899, and resulted in
the election of Mr. W. Llewehyn, J. P. (Chairman), Mr. A.
Castle (Secretary), Messrs, J. J. Webster, J. C. Cooke, and
R. Summers. The first Women's Guild was commenced
on January 7th, 1902, and at the present time we have six
Guilds doing useful work, labouring in an unostentatious
waj', and assisting in a fruitful manner the efforts of the
Educational Committee. Space prevents the names of
the various workers who have rendered valiant service
in unassuming ways on these various sections, but one
must of necessity pay tribute to the efforts made, and the
marked progress indicated, during a period of oA^er four-
teen years.
120 CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELb,
It is a dominating factor of every Co-operative Congress
that tliere is need for " better education among Co-
operators." For our part we must insist upon the great
truth that, whatever the conditions, every man is
amenable to educational influence of some sort.
The work of an Educational Committee is evolution by
solid, sustained effort.
A policy of isolation in education is impossible, and
must be progressive. " Thus far and no farther " is not
our motto. The endeavour is to prove the equitable
distribution of wealth, not by competition or scramble,
but the banding together of manly men.
Meetings held from time to time are open to any adult
member or non-member, rich or poor, and, like a world-
renowned institution, it is boasted, without reserve,
An ever open Door.
EDUCATIONAL COMMITTEE AND AUDITORS.
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
The Sheffield Co-operative Society
before Amalgamation.
WHILST the preceding record of events has been
ahnost whohy devoted to the history of the
Ecclesall Societ}', it is clue to many Sheffield
friends that a brief outline of their Society should be given,
and more particularly to the circumstances which led to
the amalgamation of
the two Societies.
We believe, also,
that a brief account
will be interesting
to manjf of our own
members, and it
may |;ossibly clear
the an" of many un-
true and exaggerated
ideas respecting the
cause of their adver-
sity. There was, to
the very last, a
courageous band of
Co-operators who
stood gallantly by
their own Society
during all its long
years of adversity
and peril, and to
their steadfastness
we pay our tribute
of admiration.
The first Sheffield
Societj' of which we
have record was started in 1865 at 127, De^'onshire Street,
called by the name of " The Sheffield Improved Industrial
and Provident Society." Its inauguration appears to
have been successful, for in the first year a business
John Gokrill,
PresideTit of the Sheffield Co-operative Societ)', i
124
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
was di)ne of ;f2,4i7. 15s. 2d., on a working capital of
£151, whicli earned a profit of £82. 7s. 6d., and out of
whicli members were paid a dividend of is. 3d. in the £.
We gather from tlie reading of tlie ("ommittee's report
issued in 1867 that earlier attempts than their own had
been made to establish Co-operation in Sheffield. Com-
menting on their success, it is stated that " the success
now achieved ought to have been accomplished in times
past, if members had only stuck to their own ship."
A Bir OF Old Sheffield ; Pinstone Stueet.
Tile two causes for the previous failure which are set
down are, first and foremost, want of continued effort
on the part of the members themseh'es, and, secondly,
the hostility and gross mis-statements of shopkeepers.
Want of space prevents any description of the e^'ents
on\\'ard from its formation, but it is well to note its
rising prosperity in the 3'ear 1874, when the Ecclesall
Society was first established. We find that the member-
ship had grown to 901, the yearly sales reached o^■er
£20,000, the share capital stood at £4,245, and the Society
paid a dividend of is. 4Jd. in the £. The Stores at this
time were in Snig Hill, and consisted of grocery, boots, and
CO-OPEKATION IN SHEFFIELD. I25
drapery, and we may rightly assume that its condition
was flourishing from the fact that at this time the Society
had entered into negotiations for the purchase of the
Trippet Lane property.
Onward to the year 1881 the Society made steady
progress, increasing its membership, sales, and capital.
Branch Stores were established at Dronfield, Walkley,
Highfields, and Spital Hill, with the Central Premises,
comprising many departments, at Trippet Lane. The
Society was at the height of its prosperity in 1881, when
the membership had reached 5,362, with a turnover of a
little over ^90,000 for the year, a members' share capital
of £35,384, and a dividend of is. 8d. in the £.
In the year 1882 the Society entered on its downward
grade, from which it never recovered. Confidence was
shaken and business decreased. The only source of
definite information we have as to the cause of the
disaster are the balance sheets, and these by no means
give fuU details.
We are reluctant to dwell on a period of adversity,
when little good can be gained bj^ doing so. We believe
that many statements concerning the Society were
exaggerated and untrue, and we honestly believe the
Society would have retrieved its affluent position if the
general body of members had remained loyal to their own
institution. From what we can gather from the records
there were things to remedy and make right, but in our
opinion these were surmountable and only dependent on
confidence and loyalty.
In 1891 the redemption fund, which was formed at the
crisi,? of 1882-3, was completely written off and the capital
redeemed transferred to the credit of every member who
had remained with the Society. The Society continued
for many years to hold its own and pay a dividend with
the faithful few who remained, but progress was now out
of the question. Whilst the Sheffield Society was
struggling, the Brightside and Carbrook Society at the
east end of the city, and the Ecclesall Society in the west,
were making vigorous headway. Co-operators in the city
recognised that joining hands with the Ecclesall Society
126 CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD.
by amalgamation would be "the best solution of the
Sheffield Societ3''s difficulties. The Co-operative move-
ment in general demanded that some effort should be
made in this direction to bring it about.
In the j'ear 1898 the Ecclesall Society first submitted
the proposal to its members for amalgamation with the
Sheffield Society, but at the largest meeting on record the
resolution was rejectedi' t! Although a great majority were
in fa^'0ur it was insufficient to carry the resolution, a three-
fourtlis majority being required. The advocates for
amalgamation felt that though defeated by a three-
fourths majority, a \'ictory had been gained, and on a
requisition of members another meeting was called, but
the results of the voting were practically the same.
From this time the Sheffield Society continued its
existence another nine years, when the question of
amalgamation was again considered. By a vote of 319
to 16 the resolution was adopted on July 15th, 1907,
making Sheffield and Ecclesall one Society. It was an
honourable business arrangement on both sides, carried
out in the spirit of brotherhood and Co-operation in the
best interests of the movement.
The position of the Sheffield Society at the time of its
amalgamation cannot be better put than by giving the
Committee's report for the quarter ending September 4th,
1907:—
The sales have been _fi, 188. 2s. gd., and the profit ;/'i7i. 17s. 2d.
This sum will pay £$y. 15s. iid. interest on capital, 2S. in the £ on
members' purchases, £'i to non-members, and a balance forward of
£1. IIS. 3d. The number of purchasing members for the quarter
was 231, out of a total membership of 328.
In presenting the last report and balance sheet of the Sheffield
Co-operative Society we cannot let this opportunity pass without
expressing thanks to those members who have so loyally stood by
the Society through all its long years of adversity. They also think
that the history of the Society must be unique in the records of the
Co-operative movement. The Society has withstood twenty-five
years on the down grade, but even now are proud of their last
balance sheet.
The Committee, in bidding farcAvell and laying down the burden
of office, express the hope that you will just as loyally support the
Sheffield and Ecclesall Society, and also that Trippet Lane, dear to
many hearts, may blossom out and again be a centre of
CO-OPERATION IN SHEFFIELD. 127
Co-opsrative activity. Mr. Gorrill, the President of the Society,
did much work in connection witli the Sheffield Society, and to
bring amalgamation to a s.iccessful and satisfactory issue. It is
our duty and pleasure to associate him with the best traditions
of Co-operative loyalty and self-sacrificing service.
Trippet Lane, amongst onr many possessions, is,
perhaps, the only one of which we have title deeds of
antiquity and historical interest. The parchments
relating to some of the land go back 300 years. Written
in old English characters, with the seal impressed in wax
on a piece of silk ribbon, they form a link with the past
when Charles Stuart was king of England and Ireland.
Some of the deeds are dated in the years 1612, 1642, and
1714. In Cromwell's time we find additional possession
of land, and these musty old documents, which are in an
excellent state of preservatioii,' remind us of Charles and
his court, Cavaliers and Roundheads, of Cromwell and his
Ironsides, of John Milton, and others, who will live for all
time in English history.
It is fairly safe to assert that the scriveners and
lawyers who have been paid.^ for conveyancing this
property through several generations ha^•e gathered a
rich harvest.
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